FARMINGTON — Thomas Saviello of Wilton will serve as campaign chairman and lead the United Way’s fundraising efforts this year.

Lisa Laflin, executive director of the United Way of the Tri-Valley Area, made the announcement at a recent Franklin County Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours gathering.

“Tom, and other dedicated community members who form the campaign cabinet, bring considerable experience and energy to the campaign. Together, they will ensure that United Way reaches its goal of helping strengthen children and families; responding to emergencies and meeting basic human needs; and improving health and independence.”

Saviello has been a longtime supporter of the United Way through his participation in workplace campaigns at his former employers, International Paper and Verso Paper. He also helped lead the campaign two years ago, accompanied by Sandy Goodwin of Bangor Savings Bank and Michael Luciano of Verso Paper. Now retired, Saviello approached the United Way to provide an even greater leadership role.

Saviello, who lives in Wilton, has served five terms in the state Legislature and is currently serving as senator for District 18. When asked why he took on this challenge when he could be enjoying his time off from the Legislature while it is not in session, Saviello said, “I believe in the United Way and the effective and efficient way it helps those in need. I also appreciate the organization’s efforts to address root causes of issues that affect Greater Franklin County residents. I have been involved for many years and I see the difference United Way support has made in our local communities. I am proud to continue to be a part of the United Way family and champion the work it does.”

Last year community support for the campaign allowed the United Way of the Tri-Valley Area to allocate funds to 16 programs that are coordinated by Community Partners, who provide health and social services in Greater Franklin County.

Programs include outreach and assistance to those affected by domestic violence; home visiting programs that assist first-time parents and those parenting for a second time who are most at risk; and emergency fuel assistance to those who have exhausted all resources and need emergency fuel in the harshest part of the winter. Sixty percent of these recipients are elderly residents of Franklin County.

In addition, the United Way established a Volunteer Center to connect individuals and groups to meaningful volunteer experiences; convened the Energy Resource team and coordinated the Community Energy Challenge, both of which focus on energy conservation; and coordinated the Emergency Food and Shelter Program and the Pantry Project. United Way staff also connected 300 individuals to critical community resources, from housing to heat.