As community need continues to grow, United Way of Central New York is rallying local residents and organizations for its annual CNY Care Package Project donation drive.

Running now through November 22, 2026, the community-wide initiative is actively collecting essential personal care supplies to assemble and distribute more than 1,000 hygiene care packages for local individuals and families navigating hardship.

Once again, Syracuse-area Wegmans stores are partnering as primary collection hubs. Customers visiting any of the eight local Wegmans locations can purchase full or travel-sized hygiene products and deposit them directly into marked donation bins located at store exits.

“One of Wegmans’ core company values is ensuring we make a meaningful difference in every community we serve,” said Evelyn Ingram, Director of Media and Community Relations at Wegmans. “We are proud to partner once again with United Way of Central New York to expand the reach and impact of the Care Package Project.”

“A bottle of shampoo, a toothbrush, or a bar of soap may seem like small everyday items, but to someone experiencing homelessness, a refugee arriving in Syracuse, or a family struggling to stretch their budget, they represent dignity and care,” said Katie Hanlon, Community Engagement Manager for United Way of Central New York.

Beyond in-store donations at Wegmans, community members and organizations can participate by making monetary donations, purchasing items directly through the official Amazon Wish List for direct delivery, or hosting an independent collection drive at their workplace or school. Drive toolkits and printable signage are available at www.cnycarepackage.com.