I have often heard the phrase, “Give ’til it hurts.” The United Way of Eastern Maine has the opposite philosophy.

Don’t misunderstand, it wants and needs thousands of pledges in order to meet its goal of more than a quarter million dollars. But United Way of Eastern Maine is not about high-pressure – rather, it wants community members to feel good about their work and to give from the heart.

Which isn’t a tough sell, considering all that United Way of Eastern Maine does.

One of the areas found to be very important to the community is Supporting Seniors. A number of programs receive funding under that heading.

Of course, Eastern Area Agency on Aging is tops on my list. Meals for ME, EAAA’s nutrition program, and the community services department receive United Way funding, which proves instrumental in helping us fulfill our mission of keeping seniors independent and in their own homes.

But let’s look at some of the other programs for seniors that are funded by the United Way.

. My Friend’s Place is an adult day program that provides seniors who are living with memory loss, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, arthritis, frailty, social isolation or the aftermath of a stroke a place to go where they can take part in activities that can enhance their lives.

. The Senior Companion Program run by University of Maine Cooperative Extension provides companionship and support to homebound seniors through senior volunteers, who receive a stipend for their time. These volunteers provide transportation to grocery stores, pharmacies and medical appointments as well as help with activities such as meal preparation.

. The Bangor Y’s Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program provides those who have had cardiac or pulmonary trouble or suffer from related chronic disease, a safe, supervised schedule for physical exercise, health education and social activities to build healthy spirit, mind and body.

. Retired and Senior Volunteer Program – RSVP – run by the UM Center on Aging not only offers those 55 and older the opportunity to volunteer and make a difference in the arena of their choice. It also provides community agencies with extra sets of hands, which are desperately needed in these days of reduced funding and staff shortages.

. Penquis’ Foster Grandparent program gives low-income seniors a wonderful opportunity to earn a little extra money. More important, it links children who need additional attention in school with a caring older adult. The positive ramifications of this relationship can last throughout the child’s life. Education is the foundation for a successful life, and the Foster Grandparent program gives children who need it a chance at that life.

. The Warren Center for Communication and Learning’s Regional Hearing Aid Bank, REHAB, provides free refurbished hearing aids to low-income individuals who need them but can’t afford them. Hearing aids are very expensive, and often seniors are forced to go without, even when their health care provider prescribes one.

Anyone who has a hearing aid that is no longer needed may donate it to the Warren Center and give the gift of sound to a senior in need.

Also, the Warren Center’s Coping with Memory Disorders through Communication program gives caregivers the knowledge base and skills needed to communicate with a love one who is living with memory loss, Alzheimer’s disease or other dementia. Educational workshops are offered that teach specialized communication techniques, which are important because effective communication helps Alzheimer’s patients maintain their independence.

For more information on the above programs or thousands of others in our community, call 2-1-1.

Raising thousands of dollars to improve the lives of thousands of seniors and families – that’s what the United Way is all about.

Carol Higgins Taylor is director of communications at Eastern Area Agency on Aging. E-mail Higgins Taylor at chtaylor@eaaa.org. For information on EAAA, call 941-2865, toll-free (800) 432-7812, e-mail info@eaaa.org or log on EAAA.org. TTY 992-0150.