On Saturday, December 9, you can do your holiday shopping (or dining) at more than 70 area businesses and pay it forward at the same time.

Participating Midcoast businesses—from Thomaston to Belfast—will donate a portion of their proceeds to UMC’s grants program. As always, 100 percent of all donations to UMC go directly to more than 40 agencies in Knox and Waldo counties.

“Day of Giving is a time-honored Midcoast tradition and truly is the gift that keeps on giving,” said UMC President John Viehman. “It’s a terrific way for all of us to support area businesses as they donate part of the day’s proceeds to help address our neighbors’ most basic needs for food, housing, health and safety, and economic security throughout the coming year.”

Maine State Credit Union, MaineStay Media, Camden National Bank, Allen Insurance & Financial, Edward Jones Camden - Ken Gardiner, Edward Jones Lincolnville - Tom Griffith, and Bangor Savings Bank are sponsoring this year’s Day of Giving.

For a complete list of participating retailers, go to https://unitedmidcoastcharities.org/day-of-giving-2023/.

United Midcoast Charities was founded in 194 to support the work of agencies providing food, housing, health & safety, and economic security. Last year, UMC awarded grants to more than 40 agencies that together touch 1 out of every 3 of our neighbors in Knox and Waldo counties. For more information, visit www.unitedmidcoastcharities.org.