I am a retired Bangor teacher. During the years I taught, it was very easy to give a small donation to United Way of Eastern Maine on an annual basis through payroll deductions. This has been a standard for many businesses, both within the municipal sector and the private sector.

The community has consistently supported the efforts of the United Way, and we as individuals have done our part to support the projects of the greater Bangor Area.

During the past spring and summer I was employed by United Way as an outreach coordinator for Camp Bangor. I learned a great deal about the many programs that United Way sponsors in the area.

United Way as an agency is not simply the bursar; their employees are directly involved in programs that benefit the youth of the area, senior programs, the 211 program for support agency information, and a myriad of services available to residents of the eastern Maine region.

My most recent revelation has been that I no longer contribute to this worthwhile agency. Along with this revelation came the knowledge that a simple check to United Way of Eastern Maine would be an easy fix. I am sure there are many retired individuals in the area that may find themselves in a similar situation.

December has always been a time for giving, but any season works for the people in our local area who need support. Now might be a good time to take out that checkbook and send a donation to United Way.

We may be retired but we are all still actively involved in this community and can lend our financial support to a local cause. My check is in the mail. Is yours?

Margaret T. Clancey

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