Mohawk Valley companies collect products to benefit local non-profits
November 7, 2022
UTICA, N.Y. – For the fifth year, United Way of the Mohawk Valley’s Emerging Leaders United (United Way MV’s ELU) partnered with area businesses to host a drive for hygiene items. This year, 47 local businesses participated with their employees and customers, collecting 5,284 donated items valued at $16,824.
United Way MV and many local companies worked together to collect items through workplaces and donations sent to their Utica office. Among the items collected were deodorant, toothbrushes, toothpaste, hand sanitizing solutions, cleaning products, diapers, baby wipes, laundry detergent, soap, shampoo, and feminine hygiene products.
This year, a few companies stood out with their efforts to help ELU with the success of the Hygiene Drive. Berkshire Bank was among the top-performing companies, which donated 404 items valued at $1,022. NBT was also a top performer, who donated 366 hygiene products valued at $1,465. Other top performers include M&T Bank, Indium Corporation, and Utica First Insurance.
“Connecting people and resources to make an impact is at the core of United Way of the Mohawk Valley’s mission,” said United Way MV’s Executive Director & CEO Erin Gutierrez Matt. “Our ELU Hygiene Drive is the bridge that connects our generous community members looking to make a difference by donating something tangible, with a way to do so and provide needed hygiene items to local non-profits and those they serve.”
Participating businesses included: Accutel, Adirondack Chiropractic, AmeriCu, Ancient Shakes, Berkshire Bank, Caruso Orthodontics, ConMed, Delta Hotel, Fortus Group, General Box, Herkimer BOCES Student Council, Holland Patent Central Schools, Hospice & Palliative Care, Human Technologies Corp., Hummels, ICAN, Indium, Jay -K Lumber, Jervis Public Library, Kiwanis Club of Utica, Legal Aid Society of Mid-New York, M&T Bank, Mohawk Valley Wellness, MVHS St Luke’s Case Management Dept., NBT Bank, Northwestern Mutual, NY Sash, Paradigm, PJ Green, Ramboll, Retro Fitness, Rising Phoenix, RW Baird, Schulman & Rozanski Dentistry, Schuyler Commons, Site Seeker, Special Metals, Sunset Wood, The Glitzy Giraffe, The House of the Good Shepherd, UNIG, Upstate Family Health Center, Inc, Utica First Insurance, Utica Gas and Electric FCU, Vision Hotels, Whitcraft, and YMCA Oneida.
The hygiene items have been distributed to local nonprofits including domestic violence shelters, agencies assisting unhoused individuals, food pantries, and kitchens.
“Each year as our Hygiene Drive continues to grow, we are even more humbled by the support of this community,” said Bernadette Wormuth, United Way MV ELU Steering Committee Chair. “We wish that each person who gave an item could see and feel the gratefulness of United Way and their non-profit partners as they receive hundreds of hygiene items for people who need them in this community.”
United Way MV’s Emerging Leaders United membership affinity group for individuals between 21-40 years, supporting growth in the next generation of leaders through professional development, volunteering, and networking. ELU members receive benefits such as free exclusive networking opportunities, professional development tools and resources, and the chance to make an impact with their peers through volunteering.
Sponsor partnerships with Excellus BlueCross BlueShield and Berkshire Bank help ELU plan engagement, volunteer, and development opportunities.
More details about United Way MV’s ELU, including being a member, or joining the steering committee can be found at unitedwaymv.org/elu and check out the photo gallery of the drive.
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About United Way of the Mohawk Valley
Since 1921, United Way of the Mohawk Valley (United Way MV) has been a human service leader helping thousands of local individuals and families by bringing people and organizations together to solve our community’s challenges. As one of the area’s top funders, dozens of programs rely on United Way MV funding each year.
United Way MV is a leader in innovation through projects and initiatives addressing crucial community issues in the impact areas of health, education, and financial stability. For information about United Way of the Mohawk Valley, to donate or to get involved visit www.unitedwaymv.org, or call 315.733.4691
