Bangor - An annual campaign to raise money for dozens of community support groups is looking to collect at least $2.1 million this year.

Hundreds of people took to the track at Bass Park in Bangor Thursday for the kick off of the United Way of Eastern Maine Campaign.

Organizers say the money raised during the event will help 55,000 people in the five counties the local United Way chapter serves.

Last year more than 8,000 people donated to the campaign through programs at work and individual efforts.

Shirar Patterson, Vice President of Community Impact, says, "The dollars that they donate are multiplied 10-fold through the collaborative efforts, our initiatives, things like our food pantry projects, the backpack program for children in schools, all different programs that we do - volunteer mentor tutor reading drive - that really galvanize people and in addition to the funds we raise, we're bringing more resources to the community problems."

You can find out how to take part in the campaign by calling 941-2800 or by logging on to www.unitedwayem.org.

The fundraiser wraps up in January.

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