CORNING, N.Y. (WENY) -- The United Way of the Southern Tier (UWST) is partnering with Wegmans for an annual fundraiser supporting Steuben and Chemung counties. Organizers say the fundraiser helps to make community donations easier.

“Whenever you check out, even if you’re at a self-checkout lane, you can make a donation to your community. Two dollars, three dollars, five dollars, whatever you want to give," said Lois Wilson, UWST's Director of Communications and Community Engagement.

The fundraising event is taking place at Wegmans locations in Corning, Elmira, and Hornell.

All the donations from the fundraiser will go to the UWST's Game Changer Fund. The fund supports programs for children and senior citizens. It also supports people who are facing any sort of crisis or natural disaster.

The United Way of the Southern Tier said the money raised in the area stays in the area. Adding it will help local people in their time of need, especially during a disaster.

"So United Way as an organization is taking more of a role in community resiliency because we are seeing more disasters," said Wilson, adding, "It's not a question of if, it's a question of when. And so United Way is stepping in and trying to help provide assistance for folks when they need it."

Wilson also thanked the people who have donated for this event in the past, as well as thanking Wegmans for their continued support.

“People are incredibly generous. Wegmans is incredibly generous to do this for us but people respond when they’re asked to give because the money that you give stays right here in Chemung and Steuben counties," Wilson said.

Shoppers can donate any amount of money at Wegmans checkout lines, even if it's as small as rounding up to the closest dollar.

The fundraiser is going on now and will last through April 26, 2025.

For more information on the United Way of the Southern Tier, you can visit their website here.