"We are halfway there, over the critical $1 million mark, and working to finish up the rest of the workplace campaigns," said Whelan, a Vice President at Bath Savings Bank. "Now is the time for all midcoast residents who are not reached through an employee campaign to also, please, send in a donation to help your neighbors. You are all part of this community, and your donation matters because changing lives matters. It takes all of us to make this the kind of community we want for ourselves and our children and our grandchildren."

Highlights from the campaign include: Bath Iron Works Employee Campaign Co-Chairs Dave Sparks from Local S6 and Doug Nelson reported that they have reached 64.5 percent of their employee goal at this point in the campaign with $407,393 raised. Sustained givers at BIW - those who give one percent or more of their pay year after year without solicitation -- have given more than $130,000. Hannaford Supermarket employees have already surpassed last year's total by giving by close to $10,000. Their campaign was kicked off with a golf tournament in Boothbay Harbor. The new Shaw's supermarket in Wiscasset has raised $5,400 -- more than twice their goal. Bowdoin College is reporting partial results to date of $31,818. A new employee campaign was held at Colby & Gale in Damariscotta where they raised $5,122. The fishing community's Bait Challenge showed a 34 percent increase over last year in an effort led by Jennie Bichrest of Purse Line Bait, Laddie Whidden of Whidden's Lobster, and Terry Alexander of Fishing Vessel, Jocka. Participating fishermen agree to donate $1 per bushel of bait sold on a day of their choice between August 26 and September 17.

Whelan said that retirees, new mid coast residents, and other individuals outside the workplace are also essential to United Way's ability to help local people, and he urged everyone to give and to consider "rounding up" their donation to the next giving level.

"Almost every day we're surprised with another story of generosity going even beyond our expectations," said Whelan. United Way has leadership or "Keel Club" giving levels starting at $500, $1,000, $1,500, $2,500, $5,000, and the nationally recognized Alexis de Tocqueville Society of $10,000 and more.

Donations can be sent to United Way of Mid Coast Maine, 34 Wing Farm Parkway, Bath, ME 04530.