United Way has volunteer Web site

BANGOR – United Way of Eastern Maine launched a new volunteer Web site at its annual meeting on Aug. 21 at Rangeley Hall on the Eastern Maine Technical College campus.

“This Web site will allow individuals or groups who are interested in volunteering to find appropriate volunteer opportunities at the click of a mouse in the comfort of their home or office” said Jeffery Wahlstrom, president of United Way of Eastern Maine. “We have made it easier than ever for people to get involved in their communities.”

Volunteer Solutions was created by a group of Massachusetts Institute of Technology students, recipients of MIT’s prestigious Entrepreneurship Award.

The strength of the Web site is its ability to search a comprehensive volunteer opportunities database, based on specific criteria, officials explained. The site includes an overview of the organizations looking for volunteers, a community calendar and a reflections section so people may comment on their volunteer experience.

Judy Horan, chairwoman of the United Way board of directors, introduced two new board members and presented the Board Chair Award, the highest honor available to a volunteer, to John Bragg, president of N.H. Bragg & Sons, who is concluding his second term as board chairman.

Last year, United Way raised $2.65 million to support 70 partner agencies in Hancock, Penobscot, Piscataquis, Waldo and Washington counties. Also, United Way sponsors InfoLine, a social services referral hot line at (800) 204-2803 or 973-6815; Keeping Kids On Track, a community effort to better the future of adolescents ages 10-14; Volunteer Solutions and the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program; and a gifts-in-kind clearinghouse.

For information call United Way at 941-2800.