BANGOR – United Way of Eastern Maine and Ford Motor Co. are working together to help get eastern Maine children into lifesaving booster seats through Boost America!, a nationwide booster seat giveaway and education program with the goal of keeping children safer when their parents get behind the wheel.

“According to the Maine Bureau of Health, an average of two children die and dozens are injured annually while wearing an adult seat belt. We are hoping that our Boost America! effort will change those odds in eastern Maine,” said Nancy Roberts, vice president at United Way of Eastern Maine in Bangor.

“Our goal is to get every kid in eastern Maine in a properly fitted booster seat.”

Legislation sponsored by state Rep. Boyd P. Marley of Portland was passed requiring children ages 4-8 to use a booster seat.

“This program is coming along at the right time to help families comply with the law and keep their children safe,” said Roberts.

Families who receive some form of assistance such as food stamps or Medicaid are eligible for the program. Parents can call Penquis CAP at 973-3695 or (877) 374-8396.

The United Way of Eastern Maine’s mission is to help people in the community to care for each other, Roberts said.

The United Way of Eastern Maine supports a variety of collaborative initiatives, volunteerism, and health and human service programs to make eastern Maine the best place to live for all of its citizens.

For information about the United Way’s Boost America! campaign, contact Marilyn Marsh at 941-2800 or check the United Way of Eastern Maine’s Web site: www.unitedwayem.org.