MILFORD – Working with United Way, eighth-grade pupils at the Dr. Lewis S. Libby School in Milford have spent the fall collecting canned goods and food items to donate to make gift baskets for seniors living in Marsh Island Apartments in Old Town.

Pupils delivered these items to the residents on Dec. 22.

“Engaging youth in service opportunities in our community is critical in our efforts to build stronger, healthier communities,” said Sara Yasner, United Way’s children and family community impact associate. “It is particularly heartening to see youth at this time of year spreading their cheer with seniors.”

Pupils have collected 30 decorated boxes of items to give to Marsh Island residents. The food was collected in boxes set out in the Lewis Libby school.

Eighth-grade teacher Andrea Michaud became interested in running a volunteer event with her class members after a presentation United Way held in the school on youth volunteerism.

United Way’s AmeriCorps Promise Fellow, Beth Ann Dyer, has been working with the school to help run the project.

Last year, United Way invested more than $3 million in community programs, including 74 programs operated by 45 partner agencies in Hancock, Penobscot, Piscataquis, Waldo and Washington counties.

United Way also sponsors InfoLine, a community and social services referral hotline at 973-6815 or 1 (800) 204-2803; Camp Bangor; Keeping Kids On Track, a community effort to better the future of adolescents age 10-14; and Volunteer Solutions, an online service to match volunteers with opportunities at local nonprofit agencies.

To make a donation or to obtain more information about United Way, call 941-2800 or visit the Web site at www.unitedwayem.org.