FARMINGTON — The fifth annual United Way Community Change Challenge kicked off Feb. 1 and extends this entire month.

Last year area businesses raised over $6,000, proving that a little bit of change can add up quickly. It is not too late to join; any business, organization, school or group is welcome to sign up. There will be matching donations for the first $2,000: $1,000 from The Dugout Bar & Grill and $1,000 from Bangor Savings Bank.

The Tier 1 trophy for employers with over 200 employees or unrestricted customer traffic resides at Spruce Mountain School District in Jay. The Tier II trophy for organizations of less than 200 employees is held by The Dugout Bar & Grill, in Farmington.

The winning organization in each tier gets to designate one quarter of the total raised to a United Way Community partner of their choice. The remaining 50% is put into the community fund to be used among all Community Partners. Work includes feeding seniors, putting food on pantry shelves, housing domestic or sexual abuse survivors, educating children and improving literacy.

For more information about United Way of the Tri-Valley Area, visit uwtva.org or call 207-778-5048 or go to facebook.com/uwtva.