PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE: The legendary Bob Hope once said, “If you haven’t got any charity in your heart, you have the worst kind of heart trouble.” As the holiday season approaches, I am hoping Midcoast Maine again has big hearts for those in need.

There are many worthwhile charities and charitable organizations serving our region, everything from hunger prevention to preventing animal abuse to mentoring young adults and kids. There are toys for tots programs and coats for kids — I’m sure there is a charity for boots and mittens somewhere, too. Each and every one of these organizations, in my opinion, serves a great unfilled need in our communities.

Last year, our chamber started a young professionals group for Mid-coast residents between the ages of 21 and people in their 40s. Named the Mid Coast Edge, the group has about 90 folks so far. There is no cost to be part of the Edge, and many of their events are for the whole family.

As a group, they have done everything from having Wii tournaments to bonfires to pumpkin carving. But what I am most proud of is the fact that this group immediately started giving back to our communities by volunteering and donating their time and money.

A few months ago, this group decided to support local businesses by doing a pub crawl. They started in Topsham at the Sea Dog, “crawled” across the bridge into Brunswick and slumbered into the Frontier Café in Fort Andross, and then marched down Maine Street to Joshua’s. They ended the evening with more food and fun at Byrnes Irish Pub.

Not only did they have a great time, but they raised $250 to donate to Mid Coast Hunger Prevention, too.

And that is just the tip of the charitable iceberg. The Mid Coast Edge will be sponsoring a food drive through Nov. 22. Donations will benefit the Mid Coast Hunger Prevention Program (MCHPP) and the Bath Area Food Pantry. These organizations will be putting together Thanksgiving baskets for local families in need.

Specific items needed for the Bath area are: canned carrots, peas, beets or any other nonperishable vegetable. Specific needs for MCHPP are: stuffing, potatoes, or canned vegetables.

If you would like to donate a turkey or chicken for these baskets, please contact the Mid Coast Edge directly to set a pickup time.

And the great thing about this whole thing is the number of local businesses that have stepped up to support the Edge’s food drive. Some are chamber members — some are not — but all are reasons to be proud of our Mid-coast business community.

To donate food, or just say thank you to the owners and associates for being involved, please visit one of the participating businesses in the following locations:

— Bath: Burgess Computer, Cafe Crème, Frosty’s

— Brunswick: Androscoggin Bank (Cook’s Corner and Maine Street), Big Top Deli, Frosty’s, Morning Glory, Sullivan Chiropractic

— Topsham: Game Stop

In closing, please remember the folks who are less fortunate than yourself this year, and let’s all do our part in supporting our “Mid-coast Family” in whatever way our schedules and resources allow.

For more information on what’s going on with the Mid Coast Edge, or to get notified about their events, visit their website at www.midcoastedge.com or like them on Facebook.

UPCOMING EVENTS: “Engaging Your Multi-Generational Work force” is the topic of the Nov. 6 Business Success Seminar. Presenter is Susan Stacey of Manpower. The seminar and networking are 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Topsham Public Library, 25 Foreside Road. Feel free to bring a brown bag lunch.

Hiring Maine’s Heroes Job & Resource Expo will take place at the Knights of Columbus in Brunswick on Nov. 13 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This event is open to all veterans, family members, and members of the public. Area employers are also invited to attend — if you have job openings, you exhibit for free. Contact president@midcoastmaine.com for more information.

The Joshua Chamberlain Award presentation and Veterans Gala will take place at the Bath Golf Club on Nov. 13 from 5 to 7 p.m. Admission is $25 and includes light finger foods. A cash bar is available.

Please go to the chamber’s website (www.midcoastmaine.com), scrolling calendar for more information and to register for all of these events. For some the seating is limited. Don’t miss out.

MEMBERS IN THE NEWS: Discover more about chamber members at www.midcoastmaine.com or download MyChamberApp for use on your mobile phone or tablet.

The chamber proudly serves 760 businesses and organizations in the following communities: Arrowsic, Bath, Bowdoin, Bowdoinham, Brunswick, Dresden, Edgecomb, Georgetown, Harpswell, Phippsburg, Richmond, Topsham, West Bath, Westport Island, Wiscasset and Woolwich.