News

United Way of the Southern Tier sponsors back-to-school toiletries drive

United Way of the Southern Tier is holding a non-traditional back-to-school drive again this year, collecting toiletries to meet the basic needs of children in Chemung and Steuben counties.

In our area, nearly 20% of children live in poverty. However, families that receive government benefits such as SNAP or WIC cannot use that assistance to purchase essential hygiene items such as toothpaste, toothbrush, soap, deodorant, and more.

You can help children in our area by donating the following items through Friday, Sept. 13:
• Toothbrushes
• Toothpaste
• Shampoo & Conditioner
• Bar Soap
• Deodorant
• Feminine Hygiene Products
• Dental Floss
• Lip Balm
• Hand Cream
• Combs/Brushes/Picks
• Small Packets of Tissues
• Small Bottles of Hand Sanitizer

Purchase items locally or use United Way's Amazon wish list to have your items shipped directly.

Items can be delivered to United Way of the Southern Tier at 88 E. Tioga Ave. in Corning or arrange for a pick-up by calling 607-377-5834.

United Way will distribute the items to local schools and youth centers where there is an identified need.

Of note: United Way appreciated the amazing support for this drive last year; all school districts in our two counties received deliveries of toiletries. This year, we aim to do the same while also placing a special emphasis on providing toiletries to the students impacted by recent flooding.

The drive ends on Friday, Sept. 13.

For more information, please contact United Way Director of Communications and Community Engagement Lois Wilson by email or at 607-377-5834.