LEWISTON – United Way of Androscoggin County allocated $976,500 in 2005 to help fund several local nonprofit agency programs and services from its 2004-2005 fund-raising campaign.

“On behalf of the many people who benefit from the vital services of our member agencies, I wish to extend a sincere and heartfelt thank you to the thousands of individuals and companies who generously contributed their financial and volunteer support to the United Way,” said Joleen Bedard, executive director of the United Way of Androscoggin County.

She said, “Thanks to the dedication and hard work of our fund-raising and allocations volunteers, our participating agencies will continue to provide necessary and compassionate programs and services to those in need.”

Donations to United Way of Androscoggin County in its 2004-2005 campaign fund went to programs and services in the following seven impact areas: caring for kids, $183,200; supporting children and families, $122,000; responding to crisis, $200,300; keeping teens on track, $130,300; maintaining health and safety, $122,000; maintaining elder independence, $88,700; and increasing self-sufficiency, $125,000.

In addition, Good Shepherd Food Bank receives an allocation of $5,000 for its emergency food distribution program.

United Way guarantees that donated funds are used to serve people who need it the most through a volunteer-based allocation review process.

For more information about the United Way or to find out about methods to donate and how contributions help the residents of Androscoggin County, call 795-4000 or visit the Web at http://www.unitedwayandro.org.