The Ontario County Chamber of Commerce and the Ontario County Chamber Foundation are proud to announce the return of the ATHENA Give Back initiative, a community service project held in conjunction with the Ontario County ATHENA Awards.
Last year’s inaugural Give Back initiative raised more than $2,500 and collected hundreds of food items for local food pantries.
This year’s initiative will benefit Safe Harbors of the Finger Lakes, encouraging community members to donate essential personal care, household, baby and child, and wellness items to support survivors and families throughout Ontario County.
The ATHENA leadership awards celebrate individuals who exemplify excellence in leadership, professional achievement and community service. One of ATHENA’s Eight Principles of Enlightened Leadership is Give Back – recognizing the importance of using leadership to strengthen communities and support others.
“The Give Back Initiative allows our community to put one of ATHENA’s core principles into action by supporting an organization whose work changes lives every day,” said Marisa Enzinna, director of member relations and communications at the Ontario County Chamber of Commerce.
Safe Harbors of the Finger Lakes, provides free, confidential services for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse and human trafficking throughout Ontario, Seneca and Yates counties. Services include advocacy, emergency shelter, crisis intervention, counseling, legal support and prevention education that helps build safer communities.
Community members are invited to donate new, unopened items at the Ontario County Chamber of Commerce office, 113 S. Main St., Canandaigua.
Most-needed items include:
- Personal care products such as shampoo, conditioner, body wash, toothpaste, deodorant and feminine hygiene products
- Cleaning supplies including laundry detergent, dish soap, disinfectant wipes and all-purpose cleaner
- Baby essentials such as diapers, wipes, diaper cream and baby shampoo
- Children’s items, including coloring books, crayons, bubbles and sidewalk chalk
- Household items such as kitchen garbage bags, storage bags and sponges
A complete list of requested donations is available through the Ontario County Chamber of Commerce.
Items can be:
- Dropped off during regular business hours (9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday) at the Ontario County Chamber office, 113 S. Main St., Canandaigua, through Nov. 5.
- Brought to the ATHENA Dinner on Nov. 5 at Finger Lakes Community College.
Secure, tax-deductible donations also can be made at www.ontariocountychamberfoundation.org/athena or by check. (Checks should be made payable to “Ontario County Chamber Foundation,” a 501(c)3 organization.)
For more information about the Give Back initiative, visit www.ontariocountychamberfoundation.org/athena, email marisa@onchamber.com or call 585-394-4400.
