FARMINGTON — The United Way of the Tri-Valley Area announces the 4th annual Days of Caring, a campaign to engage hundreds of people in giving their time and talents to a community project.

There are four projects to select from. People can work alone or with a team and at the times convenient for them. All skill levels are welcome.

Last year, 181 volunteers contributed 797 hours through Days of Caring.

To sign up or for more information, contact Volunteer Center Coordinator Eleni Margaronis at 778-5048 or go online to volunteer@uwtva.org. Advance sign-up is appreciated for planning purposes. All preregistrants will be provided specific details about their opportunity.

United Way of the Tri-Valley Area staff and volunteers will also participate in Farmington Downtown Association’s Farmington Summer Fest on Saturday, July 26, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. There will be a treasure hunt for children, balloon raffle and Community Energy Challenge demonstrations and sign-ups.

Days of Caring Schedule

* North Jay Grange No. 10 at Routes 4 and 17, North Jay, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 9. Install window panels made by United Way volunteers. Cabot Cheese and the Farmers’ Gratitude Grille will serve a free lunch to volunteers.

* Packs for Progress, 2 to 4 p.m. Friday, Aug. 22, at Big Lots parking lot, 640 Wilton Road, Farmington. United Way of the Tri-Valley Area, Big Lots, Farmington Rotary, Jay/Livermore/Livermore Falls Chamber of Commerce, Franklin Volunteer Network Mentoring Collaborative, Early Childhood Initiative and TD Bank welcome volunteers to collect donated school supplies and fill backpacks. The goal is to fill 250 of them. Backpacks are available to students with limited resources on a first come, first serve basis through the United Way.

* Western Maine Homeless Outreach Shelter, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 6, Living Waters Assembly of God Church, 547 Wilton Road, Farmington. Install window panels and do other work to button up for the winter. Potluck lunch.

* Phillips Community House, Main Street, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27. Weatherize the building. All skill levels welcome. Potluck lunch.

Tony Gill, retired trainer and quality control for the Maine Department of Energy-funded Low-Income Weatherization Program, will conduct a workshop at lunch time at three of the events. The workshop is free and open to the public. His presentations will focus on energy efficiency and the small things that can be done to save on heating costs.