For the second year United Way of the Valley and Greater Utica Area’s Emerging Leaders United (United Way ELU) has partnered with area businesses to host a drive for hygiene items. This year 36 businesses participated with their employees and customers collecting 7,938 items valued at $13,875!
Donations were also collected at United Way ELU’s annual “Channel Your Flannel” event, which was held on Thursday, November 14 at Lukins. Collecting and donating the most items to the hygiene drive were Visions Hotels who donated 1,340 travel size items and Utica College Student Body collecting 1,303 items!
These hygiene items have been distributed to six local nonprofits including domestic violence shelters, agencies assisting homeless individuals and food pantries and kitchens. One benefiting area non-profit was in dire need of items, having recently been depleted of these goods while helping those affected by the flooding that occurred three weeks ago.
“As an Emerging Leaders United Committee Member we get to see the amazing work United Way is doing first-hand and truly made a difference right along with them,” said Leanne Allen, United Way ELU committee member. “This hygiene drive is just one of several examples on how our generation can make an impact in our local community.”
United Way ELU is a membership affinity group within United Way of the Valley and Greater Utica Area. It consists of local individuals between 21-40 years of age leading efforts in philanthropy with our local United Way. To be a member, individuals between 21-40 years of age must donate a minimum of $100. ELU Members receive exclusive benefits and opportunities, such as meet-ups and discounts on United Way ELU events. More details about being a member or taking a leadership volunteer role on one of United Way ELU’s committee can be found at www.unitedwayvgu.org/elu.
Participating United Way ELU Hygiene Drive businesses included: Adirondack Chiropractors, Assist 2 Sell, Andrew Rozanki DDS, Baird, Braden Supply, Cucharale Consulting Group, Delta Hotels by Marriott Utica, First Choice Staffing, First Source Federal Credit Union, Greater Utica Chamber of Commerce, HP Hood, Hospice & Palliative Care, Mohawk Valley Health System, NBT Bank, Northwestern Mutual, Nelson Associates Architectural Engineering, OBG Part of Ramboll, PAR Technology, Paradigm Consulting, Pier 1 Imports, PJ Green, RB Humphreys, Reaves Dentistry, Retro Fitness, Rising Phoenix Holdings Corporation, Riverside Dental, Site-Seeker, Slavin Jackson & Burns Dental Office, The Stanley Theatre, The Dental Office, Utica National Insurance Group, Utica Coffee Roasting Company, Utica College Student Body, Utica Rehabilitation & Nursing Center, Valley Dental and Visions Hotels.