LEWISTON — One of the hallmarks of United Way is supporting and encouraging volunteerism, and United Way is encouraging volunteerism in Androscoggin County.

Volunteering not only provides assistance to individuals and nonprofit organizations, but is a way to gain a deeper understanding of a local community. Studies show that volunteering regularly can lead to more happiness and better health.

Androscoggin County has many volunteer opportunities. From participating in the United Way Day of Caring, delivering meals to seniors, reading to day care children, serving as a greeter at the hospital, answering a domestic violence helpline call and sorting food donations, there is a volunteer opportunity for everyone.

Visit volunteer.unitedwayandro.org to find a volunteer experience.

United Way of Androscoggin County is a member of the Androscoggin Volunteer Administrator (AVA) group. AVA is a group of volunteer managers that meets regularly to share volunteer opportunities and best practices. The group meets on the fourth Wednesday of every month at 8:30 a.m. at the United Way office. For more information on AVA, contact Heather Chandel of SeniorsPlus at 207-513-3710.

United Way volunteers working at Promise Early Education cleaning up the playground area are, from left, Rachel Hawksley, Deb Decker, Lisa St. Hilaire-Crites, Stacie Brown, Jennifer Lobb, Nate Holst, Sandy MacDonald, Kelly Cooper-Arsenault (slide), Denise Bouchard and Terri Cook.