Volunteers don't get paid because they are worthless... It's because they are priceless.

Dear Friends,

As a Federation of fifty agencies, we know each one rather intimately because that is our responsibility to donors who contribute funds for distribution to them. Digging deep into how these organizations operate reveals the dependence each has on volunteers. In fact, the coupling of your donation to UMCC and the dedication of volunteers is the formula many agencies have for success. Look at these examples.

Literacy Volunteers of Mid-Coast Maine and Waldo County depend on UMCC funds for teaching materials and volunteers to teach those who need to learn to read.

Meals on Wheels depends on volunteers to deliver meals to shut-ins. A volunteer is often the only person seen each day.

Habitat for Humanity is an all-volunteer charity that relies on funds from UMCC to assist in improving the living conditions of low income families.

Area Interfaith Outreach, a food pantry, serves hundreds of people in Knox County and is all-volunteer and supported by funds from UMCC.

The list is lengthy. For individuals, there is plenty of research which reveals that volunteering leads to better health, physically and mentally. It can strengthen social ties while helping others experience a sense of greater self-worth and trust. When individuals volunteer, they are more likely to live longer, according to recent research.

Another reason for volunteering goes beyond self. People think government is sometimes ineffective but they can make a difference through community service. Some see volunteering not as a form of public service but as an antidote to broken government.

Donors have said to me many times that contributing to UMCC is far better than supporting public institutions through taxes. Being a donor is a way of volunteering to fifty agencies. You are contributing your treasure for the direct benefit of others in our area. It's a strong way of doing a lot of good. Taking care of the less fortunate in America is among our most important traditions. It is the small groups like UMCC with their intimate understanding of local conditions and needs that may do the most good.

So volunteer your donation and become a volunteer for the greater good through United Mid-Coast Charities.