When the United Way of Eastern Maine announced a week ago that it expected to fall $50,000 short of its $2.65 million goal this year, local response was immediate; $28,000 was quickly raised and it looked like the charity might make its Jan. 29 deadline after all. But that was before the bankruptcy announcement from Great Northern Paper Inc., where employees and the company itself had pledged $16,000 and which is now in doubt. That uncertainty added to the remaining $22,000 puts United Way back in a difficult position.

Not only the United Way, of course. The organization donates to more than 70 agencies each year, from the Abnaki Girl Scout Council to the Good Samaritan Agency to Shaw House to area YM and YWCAs. It channels local donations to agencies that help thousands of people in the region. But raising funds is especially difficult in these economic times, so this year’s ambitious goal was a stretch. Nevertheless, once businesses heard last week the United Way needed help, they responded immediately.

Traditional sources like the business leaders in United Way’s Leaders’ Circle increased their donations and new members signed on. Small businesses that had not made donations before contributed in the last week, and special activities – an employee breakfast, potlucks, a contest for shoppers, a pajama-party fund-raiser – are being organized. United Way President Jeff Wahlstrom agreed not to shave for every day staff donates $5 at the United Way office.

These fund-raisers may not sound very serious, but the work the money raised is essential to the well-being of the region. It helps to provide shelter for the homeless, food for the hungry, health care for the sick and protection for the abused; literacy programs receive funds through United Way, as do programs for senior citizens and youth mentoring. When, two years ago, United Way missed its funding goal, volunteers identified the most essential and effective programs but the lack of funding meant that most agencies received cuts of about 15 percent.

Eastern Maine residents and business owners in Hancock, Penobscot, Piscataquis, Washington and Waldo counties showed in the last week that they are both generous and willing to help their neighbors. With less than two weeks to make its goal, United Way needs that generosity now. To help, please call the organization at 941-2800. Its Web site is www.unitedwayem.org.