Living as a community seems more important than ever after Tuesday’s attacks, so the beginning of the annual fund drive by United Way of Eastern Maine – the charity organization that contributes to the well-being of thousands in Penobscot, Piscataquis, Washington, Hancock and Waldo counties – takes on particular significance this year. Only this year, don’t look for the affirming annual event of hundreds of people walking together along Main Street in Bangor to announce the beginning of the fund drive.

Instead, even as they work to meet their own funding goals, local United Way

officials point to the national response.

Cuba Wadlington Jr., president and CEO of Williams Gas Pipeline, announced that Williams has made a gift of $1 million to start a “September 11th Fund.” All local United Way organizations and individuals are encouraged to join Williams in their generosity. The fund will provide immediate support to established emergency assistance agencies, such as the American Red Cross.

It will also bring together the resources of other nonprofit health and human service agencies. Anyone wishing to contribute to the September 11th Fund may send their donations in care of the United Way of New York City, 2 Park Ave., New York, N.Y. 10016. Contributions are also being accepted on the United Way of New York City’s Web site at www.uwnyc.org.

In Bangor, instead of the usual march, United Way of Eastern Maine has come up with the good idea of what it is calling a Community Response Rally. Scheduled for 11:45 a.m. today at Bass Park, the rally is one way of letting the people of the region stand together and express sympathy and support for the attacks’ victims and their families.

The lack of an annual Bangor march of support, however, doesn’t reduce the need for United Way contributions or diminish the organization’s long-standing service to the region. Since 1937, when a small group of civic-minded citizens, led by Justice of the Peace Henry J. Hart, met here and formed this charitable corporation, then called the Bangor-Brewer Community Chest, United Way has been admirably successful in supporting child care, scouting, meals for the homebound, shelter for the homeless, help for the victims of domestic violence, support for those with disabilities and dozens of other social services.

But last year, it failed to meet its funding target, leaving partner agencies with a cut in support of 15 percent. There probably were some simple reasons for this – fund raising for other local projects may have taken precedence for givers – but the need didn’t go away and this year the incentive to give has grown. Campaign Chairman Chip Hutchins has offered a $100,000 challenge grant to donors who give $1,000 or more, a generous way to double the value of a donation.

Perhaps even more of an incentive for those who would have participated in the kick-off event in Bangor and the 15,000 or so people who are expected to donate in the coming months was last year’s shortfall and the realization that unless they help – and unless they can persuade you to help too – United Way will struggle to meet this year’s goal as well. United Way has been there in good times and in tough times, but it won’t be there at all without your support, which is needed now more than ever.