CHENANGO COUNTY — The Chenango United Way has been in the business of assisting community members who have fallen on hard times for years though fund allocations, promotion of health and income initiatives.

Keeping tabs on the issue of hunger insecurities for those less-than-fortunate that call Chenango County home is something that weighs heavy on Director Elizabeth Monaco’s mind, but with the lack of food for many in the area also comes a lack of other basic necessities that most use everyday.

“Hygiene products are something that many working individuals take for granted, and they're just as necessary as food for those who can't afford them,” said Monaco.

As food pantries that serve the county are fortunate enough to receive food and nutrition donations on a very regular basis, those pantries aren't as likely to be stocked with health essentials or toiletries such as deodorant, toothpaste, body wash and shampoo.

“There's a substantial need for the most basic hygiene products, people rarely think about it until they don't have them,” said Victoria Mitchell who, with Monaco and a board comprised of 16 community volunteers have been organizing an annual “Hygiene Drive” for the past three years.

“It started out with Elizabeth and I scrambling to find personal hygiene items for a community member that walked into the office off the street,” said Mitchel who serves as an office administrator for the United Way. “That’s how it dawned on us that there was yet another unmet need in the community which led to the planning of a Hygiene Drive.”