BANGOR – A group of outstanding volunteers will be honored during the annual gala for the 2 Those Who Care Awards on Wednesday, Oct. 3, at the G. Peirce Webber Campus Center at Husson College.

The event will be televised as a primetime special on WLBZ-TV 2 later in October. The 2 Those Who Care program was developed by WLBZ in partnership with the United Way of Eastern Maine. The program is sponsored by Merrill Bank and Webber Energy Fuels.

The 2 Those Who Care gala will honor men and women from eastern Maine who unselfishly make a difference in the lives of others.

In addition, G. Clifton Eames of Bangor will be presented with the John W. Coombs Award, a volunteer recognition award of the United Way of Eastern Maine since 1984. Literacy Volunteers of Bangor will be honored with the Agency of Distinction Award.

The 2 Those Who Care honorees are:

. Galen Cole of Bangor, a dedicated volunteer and service provider for the Bangor community and veterans. He owned and operated Cole’s Express for 50 years, helping it become one of the most prominent trucking services in the nation. Cole served on the Bangor City Council and was president of the Bangor Chamber of Commerce. For 24 years he served as a chairman and member of the University of Maine Development Council. As campaign leader for the Second Century Fund, he oversaw the building of the Maine Center for the Arts and hockey rink. Cole is a Mason and a past potentate of Anah Temple Shrine.

. Ralph and Joyce Harvey of Searsport, who provide their solace and companionship throughout Waldo County. People who are ill or hospitalized depend on the Harveys for food, transportation to medical appointments and friendly visits. They volunteer their time at the Food Cupboard at the Searsport Methodist Church, transporting food to stock the cupboards and making personal food deliveries to those in need. During the holiday season, the Harveys deliver food baskets to the disabled. They also are active members of their church and help with suppers by picking up supplies and serving the people. In addition, they tend plants and flowers along Searsport’s Main Street.

. Linda Howard of Dover-Foxcroft, a key member of the steering committee for Womencare, a domestic violence association serving students and their families. She has been a huge contributor in Womencare’s Capital Campaign to create a building where people in crisis can be served in a safe and confidential environment. Howard has been an educator for 30 years in kindergarten and home economics. The Center Theatre also has benefited from her “get it done” attitude. Under her leadership, the once-vacant theater underwent a complete renovation, helping to bring back the performing arts and film to Dover-Foxcroft. Howard has been president of women’s fellowship at the Congregational Church, Mayo Regional Hospital volunteer for seven years and member of the Penquis Leadership Institute Steering Committee.

. Walter Moore of Bangor, a full-time nurse in the catheritization lab at Eastern Maine Medical Center. Moore works endlessly to fulfill the “wish list” for pediatric oncology patients and their families. He coordinates and motivates colleagues to get all of the items on the wish list each year, often providing multiple gifts himself. The helper of all helpers, Moore gives without expecting anything in return. In addition, he volunteers through Hospice of Eastern Maine, helping many patients to remain at home during their final days. He works at area soup kitchens and church fundraisers, as well.

. Warren Steward of Millinocket, whose dedication to the youth community stems from raising four children of his own. For the past 15 years, Steward has committed many hours to developing the Volunteer Programs for Millinocket Schools. While coordinating volunteers for youth activities, he always serves at these events himself. Steward’s efforts include the thriving music and drama programs, sporting events, school dances, D.A.R.E. program, Scholastic Book Fairs, church programs and more.

G. Clifton Eames of Bangor will receive the John W. Coombs Award.

Eames is known for exceptional governing board and committee participation and leadership for Eastern Maine Healthcare Systems since 1971.

Officials cited his integrity, ability, modesty, hard work and deep understanding of the community in working to strengthen many of eastern Maine’s most important agencies and organizations. He was one of the founding trustees of Acadia Hospital, which serves those struggling with mental illness.

The Agency of Distinction is Literacy Volunteers of Bangor, a group of people dedicated to improving literacy in the Bangor community and beyond.

Volunteers work hard at improving the lives of individual learners, both in the classroom and at home. An estimated 37 percent of adults in the Bangor area operate at the two lowest levels of literacy, which can become a serious challenge in their personal, work and community life.

Thanks to more than 200 volunteers who are well-trained and eager to help, 45 adult learners are improving their reading, while 70 adults, previously from other countries, are mastering the English language. LV-Bangor serves roughly a 25-mile radius of Bangor; however, matches are coordinated outside of this area as tutors are recruited and trained. Recently, LV-Bangor launched the Volunteers Optimizing Increased Civic Engagement program. It will apply the tools of adult literacy education to the goal of enabling its learners to participate as active, informed citizens in the electoral process.