United Way Kicks Off Holiday Fundraising At Wegmans

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WEST ELLIOTT – A local group dedicated to giving back to the community kicked off their holiday fundraising campaign over the weekend at Wegmans in West Ellicott.

United Way Executive Director Amy Rohler explains this year’s “scan campaign” raises money to support local programs that touch the lives of so many such as Meals on Wheels, the YMCA, and many others.

“Every year United Way does an annual fundraising campaign, we raise around 1.3 million dollars, that’s our goal for this year,” explained Rohler. “And it goes to programs in the community in the areas of academic success, health and independence, ready workforce, and self-sufficiency.”

Rohler, along with her legion of volunteers, normally take over cash registers and scan the customers’ items. However, with the pandemic, the volunteers like Melanie Witkowski stood at the end of the isles wishing everyone a happy holiday. She says this helps groups like Prevention Works, a cause near her heart.

“It makes us feel very appreciative, being a non-profit organization and knowing we need the funding to help us run our program is very much appreciated and exciting to see,” stated Witkowski.

United Way has raised more than $19,000 last year through the scan campaign, Rohler believes that any amount from every person makes a difference.

“You realize that when, they’re just doing a little bit by rounding up, but collectively when everyone’s donating it raises a lot of money,” explained Rohler. “So, we just thank you to all the people who everytime go shopping at Wegmans they donate to United Way it really makes a big difference.”

United Way is a non-profit that focuses on keeping money local, a point Rohler assures.

“Whether that gift is a check you mailed to us, or the gift that you just made at the register 100 percent stays right here in this community going to help people in this community that are in need,” stated Rohler.