AUGUSTA - United Way of Kennebec Valley (UWKV) has received a $10,000 grant from the Elsie & William Viles Foundation to hire a volunteer manager for the Augusta Community Warming Center and extend its days of operation.

The Warming Center, an initiative of United Way that is preparing for its ninth season, offers a safe, family-friendly place for local people to gather during the winter months. Bridging the Gap, a new Augusta-based community program, will assume operational responsibility of the Warming Center this fall, in partnership with United Way.

During the 2016-17 season, Warming Center volunteers logged more than 3,600 hours. Hiring a volunteer manager will strengthen the volunteer program and connect Warming Center guests to local resources related to housing, employment and literacy. Through this grant, the Center will also advance its open date from Dec. 15 to Dec. 1.

The Elsie & William Viles Foundation is a private foundation established in 1990 by Elsie Pike Viles. In keeping with the generosity and legacy created during their lifetimes, the Elsie & William Viles Foundation is committed to supporting charitable organizations with preference given to organizations in Maine and the Capital Region. To learn more, visit elsieandwilliamvilesfoundation.org.

UWKV partners with 50 local programs to provide a better quality of life for people experiencing emergencies, hardships and personal challenges in Kennebec Valley. For more information, visit uwkv.org.