United Way of Central New York’s annual “CNY Care Package Project” community drive is now underway and will continue through November 23, 2025.

Last year, the drive collected enough personal care items to create and distribute a record 1,800 care packages to local nonprofit agencies for individuals and families in need.

All eight Syracuse area Wegmans have a CNY Care Package Project collection bin; customers are encouraged to shop for full and travel sized personal care items and drop them in the bin at the front of the store.

“One of Wegmans’ company values is to make a difference in every community that we serve,” said Evelyn Ingram, Wegmans Director of Media and Community. “We are proud to support, and help grow, the Care Package Project with United Way of Central New York.”

“A bottle of shampoo, a toothbrush, a bar of soap — these may seem like little things. But to a person experiencing homelessness, a refugee arriving in Syracuse with nothing, or a family struggling to pay the bills, these little things can make a world of difference.” said Katie Hanlon, Chief Community Officer for United Way of Central New York.

Items will be sorted and packaged by volunteers at United Way of Central New York on Giving Tuesday (12/2). Care packages will be distributed to local nonprofits, including United Way of CNY affiliated agencies such as The Samaritan Center, The Salvation Army, and Catholic Charities.

In addition to the Wegmans’ in-store drive, individuals may also get involved by making a monetary donation, ordering online (via an Amazon Gift List) and shipping them to United Way of CNY, or holding a CNY Care Package Project drive at their workplace, school, etc. All details, including printable signage, are available at www.cnycarepackage.com