United Way of the Tri-Valley Area collects school supplies which are placed into donated backpacks for school age children. Submitted photo

REGION — The United Way of the Tri-Valley Area is planning the following events and programs. All COVID-19 precautions will remain in place as conditions warrant.

Free tax preparation through the Western Maine CA$H Coalition (now through mid-May): Call 778-7854 to schedule an appointment.

Mother’s Day Rose Sale (orders will be accepted through April 30; pick up on May 7): Beautiful roses are on sale for Mother’s Day. Buy one for you and one for a nursing home.

Scavenger Hunt (May 15): A COVID-friendly and family friendly event that will challenge even the most skilled treasure seekers.

A Week of Action (June 21): Volunteer activities will abound in Greater Franklin and throughout Maine as United Ways of Maine collaborate.

Five Card Float, Sandy River (June 26): Float down the Sandy River and pick-up cards along the way. Best poker hand wins!

Comedy Show, Narrow Gauge Cinemas (tentative for the week of July 19): Some of State’s best and talented comedians will take the stage along with local talent.

Packs for Progress Collection (May through August): Backpacks filled with school supplies are provided to area children who may otherwise not have them. An average of 600 backpacks are requested for students in all four of the school districts in United Way’s service area. (Eligible students living in Greater Franklin County Maine and/or attending schools in Regional School Unit 9, RSU73, MSAD58, Rangeley Schools, Stratton School, including home-schoolers, grades Pre-K through 12).

Packs for Progress Mini Stuffing Events (August)

COLOR ME UNITED 5K (August): The Color Run draws more than 300 runners, walkers, and wheelers every year.

Teacher Totes (May through September): Teachers are continually having to dedicate their own resources to providing school supplies for their classrooms. United Way distributes huge totes of supplies to all 17 schools each year to help ease the burden on teachers and help kids thrive.

Community Energy Challenge (September through November): The Community Energy Challenge is a volunteer-led program that has been a signature program of United Way since 2009. The program goal is to keep people warm and save energy costs by building customized interior window panels in community workshops.

Corn Hole Tournament (September)

Trail of Terror (October 22, 23, 29 and 30): A collaboration with Titcomb Mountain, and Darlene Patrick of Loki’s Workshop Halloween Emporium. This event has drawn more than 700 fright seekers to Titcomb the last few years. New this year, the collaboration continues, but we are expanding to the Farmington Fairgrounds with multiple attractions, vendors and concessions.

The Great Charity Auction (November 20)

Deck the Halls (November and December): Get your competitive spirit on and win cash prizes for holiday decorating.

Teacher’s Lounge Mafia (dates and locations TBD) Stale Milk and Sour Cookies, a mature show of irreverent holiday comedy.

For more information, visit uwtva.org.