Toiletries drive held for Chemung and Steuben County students

CORNING, N.Y. ( WETM ) — You can help students in Chemung and Steuben counties prepare for the new school year by donating to a non-traditional back-to-school drive.

According to the United Way of the Southern Tier, nearly 20% of Southern Tier children live in poverty, and their families can’t use government benefits like WIC or SNAP to buy essential hygiene items. The organization is asking the community to help these children meet their basic hygiene needs by donating items to its toiletries drive from now through Sept. 13.

The following items are being accepted in this drive:

• Toothbrushes
• Toothpaste
• Shampoo and conditioner
• Bar soap
• Deodorant
• Feminine hygiene products
• Dental floss
• Lip balm
• Hand cream
• Hairbrushes/combs/picks
• Small packets of tissues
• Small bottles of hand sanitizer

The United Way is accepting donations at its location in Corning and through Amazon. People can drop off locally purchased items at 88 E. Tioga Ave. between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. on weekdays or make a purchase from this Amazon wishlist . Wishlist purchases should be shipped directly to the United Way of the Southern Tier. Donation pick-ups can be arranged by calling 607-377-5834.

The United Way will distribute the donations to local schools and youth centers where a need for them has been identified.

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