The presence of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita will be felt in central New York this winter in the form of higher heating bills and food costs. That's why, even though it is important to focus attention on rebuilding the Gulf Coast and the shattered lives there, it is equally important for people in more privileged or simply stable situations to remember those in constant need closer to home.

Kevin Stearns/University Photography

Breaking through the United Way banner Oct. 6 are, from left, Dennis Stein of the Office of Human Resources, Mike Powers of the Division of University Communications and Cutter Cramton of Student and Academic Services. Holding the banner are Jeanne Butler, left, and Emily Fairchild, both from the Division of Campus Life.

Such was the essence of a message delivered by President Hunter Rawlings at an official kick-off ceremony for the Cornell United Way Campaign. Held in the Duffield Hall atrium, the event included a performance by Nothing But Treble, Cornell's original all-female student a cappella group.

The kick-off event culminated with attendees "charging" a United Way paper banner that read, "Let's win the race to cut hunger in Tompkins County." No one was hurt, although students in the atrium were amused by the display. Contestants then shared cake and beverages.

In introductory comments, Dean of the Faculty Charles Walcott, chair of Cornell's United Way Campaign, said that in Tompkins County "we are blessed with many human service agencies almost wholly staffed with volunteers." But United Way supplies the cash that keeps these agencies going, he said. "This offers us an unusual opportunity: Every dollar we give is matched in kind by volunteer labor."

This year's campaign goal is $627,000, and Walcott noted that contributing even a modest 50 cents or one dollar a week can make a big difference. Last year, Cornell raised one-third of Tompkins County United Way's total of $1.8 million.

Dennis Stein, a Cornell United Way cabinet member and communication manager, commended the volunteer effort on campus for the Souper Day of Caring, held in September. About 80 Cornell volunteers helped to gather 3.5 tons of food for the needy -- twice as much as last year. Stein singled out Cornell staffers Roberta Frost and Cheryl McGraw for their efforts in the food drive.

James Brown, county United Way president, said that may sound like a lot of food, but it goes fast. In just one day recently 15,000 pounds of donated food was distributed at the Brooktondale Community Center alone, he said. And the 6.5 tons of food and personal care items collected in the county during this year's drive lasted about two weeks.

"There's an invisible need there," he said. "A lot of people are simply unaware of the extent of that need because it's not obvious."

Several representatives from area agencies attended the kick-off ceremony, as well as Elizabeth Rawlings, the president's wife, who is this year's United Way Livermore Society coordinator. The Livermore Society publicly recognizes individuals or families donating $600 or more.