ELMIRA, N.Y. (WENY) -- Catholic Charities of Chemung and Schuyler held it's 20th annual Empty Bowls luncheon at Notre Dame High School in Elmira on Tuesday, March 25th. Catholic Charities officials say the day is designed to both bring awareness to how hunger and poverty impacts the community, and raise money to combat those issues. 

"A lot of people look forward to this event, even as people have been coming in, they say this is a favorite event of mine, I love coming every year, and so we're just glad to be able to offer the event again and it's an important, important fundraiser for our Samaritan Center," said Katie Rhodes, marketing and development director for Catholic Charities. 

Officials say Empty Bowls is one of the Catholic Charities largest fundraisers of the year, with money going to help the Elmira based Samaritan Center. According to Catholic Charities, The Samaritan Center helps thousands of people every year with a food pantry that is open five days a week that also supplies basic needs like diapers and wipes. 

This years event was sponsored by the Hilliard Corporation, Chemung Canal Trust Company, Kennedy Valve and Visions Federal Credit Union. If anyone missed Empty Bowls and and still wants to contribute to the cause-- you can still help them reach their goal by making a donation online.