Mid-coast residents are encouraged to eat locally on Thursday, Oct. 11, to support United Way’s annual “Extra Helping” event. Nearly 25 restaurants have agreed to donate a portion of Thursday’s revenue to United Way to help fund its local programs.

“United Way is helping our neighbors in Brunswick, Bath and throughout Mid-coast Maine. Extra Helping is a great way to patronize and thank local businesses that are helping our communities. This lets us all eat locally, help locally and live united,” said Doug Lavalee of Scarlet Begonias.

Participating restaurants in Brunswick include Scarlet Begonias, Richard’s Restaurant, Big Top Deli, The Gelato Fiasco, Henry & Marty Restaurant, Wild Oats Bakery & Café, Broadway Deli, Byrnes’ Irish Pub, El Camino, Flipside and Mr. Bagel.

Participating restaurants in Bath include: Starlight Café, Admiral Steakhouse, Kennebec Tavern, Solo Bistro, Byrnes’ Irish Pub, Mid Coast Pizza & More, and Mae’s Café and Bakery.

More than 18,000 Bath- Brunswick residents were helped by United Way-funded programs last year. Among the dozens of programs partnering with the United Way are Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Bath/Brunswick, Family Focus, Mid Coast Hunger Prevention Program, Mid Coast Chapter of the American Red Cross, Spectrum Generations’ Meals on Wheels, Sweetser and Tedford Housing.

This year’s United Way fall campaign kicked off on Sept. 6 and ends Nov. 7, with a goal of $1,960,000. Donations can be sent to United Way of Mid Coast Maine, 34 Wing Farm Parkway, Bath, ME 04530.

For more information, visit www.uwmcm.org/extra-helping day.