FARMINGTON — The United Way of the Tri-Valley Area has set a goal to raise $805,548 in cash, goods and services, and volunteer service during this campaign year.

The goal is 5 percent more than the amount of total contributions received last year.

“The needs of the community are great,” Lisa Laflin, UWTVA executive director, said. “This is an opportunity for everyone to engage and change a life right here right now.”

Serving Franklin County, Livermore Falls and Livermore, UWTVA provides a large portion of the funds raised to 18 community partners who provide 21 programs.

Funds are raised through workplace and individual donations, grants and special events. 

Help may come from a donation of a $1 a week, a quilt donated for our auction or by community members giving of their time, she said.

UWTVA plans to acknowledge the time given this year. The goal represents $531,810 in contributions, grants and goods and services. It also represents the value of volunteer hours, a total of $274,738, she said.

Realizing the impact being made in the community, UWTVA decided they needed to include the hours. Keeping track of hours is something they have always done but are now doing more efficiently, she said.

Rather than one kick-off event, UWTVA started the campaign with the Caravan of Caring. Some community members visited several community partners to learn about what they do, she said.

Presentations at various businesses have also begun, she said.

The campaign continues this fall with several opportunities for the community to “Engage: Change a life right here right now,” she said, emphasizing this year’s slogan.

This Saturday, the Community Energy Challenge Workshops restart from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and continue Saturdays in October in the incubator space on the Mt. Blue campus.

Volunteers have created interior storm window panels since 2009.

There is limited funding for free window panels for recipients of the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program but applications are being accepted for six panels. Individuals can make panels for themselves at $1.50 a linear foot. Applications for both are accepted until Oct. 17.

All are welcome to participate in the workshop and potluck lunch.

The workshop will also prepare storm windows for a Day of Caring planned for Nov. 1 at the American Legion Hall in Phillips.

Panels will be made for the old depot building. It is an effort to reduce energy consumption so community activities can continue there.

After successfully raising over $30,000 in two years to help children in need, a Button for Babes Button Brunch will take place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 26, in the Bass Room at Franklin Memorial Hospital.

“We need to build the program,” she said.

One in every four children in the greater Franklin County area lives in poverty.

Volunteers can learn to make the bracelets at 11:15 a.m. and 1 p.m. Calzolaio Pasta Company will cater, she said. All supplies are provided. Those interested are asked to RSVP to 778-5048.

The second annual Cut-A-Thon takes place from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18, at area salons.

Stylists at participating salons will cut hair and all proceeds go to the United Way. More salons are joining. Check the United Way Facebook page and website for updates, she said.

The Great Charity Auction and Appraisal Event will take place on Nov. 22 in the North Dining Hall at the University of Maine at Farmington.

Donations are now being taken. It can be anything from a handmade item to services, computer repair or trips, she said. All donations are welcome.

For more information, visit www.uwtva.org or call 778-5048.

abryant@sunjournal.com