It can take a single unexpected emergency -- a house fire, a medical emergency, a job loss -- to deplete a family's financial reserves. For years, members of the Cornell community have provided assistance through the Cornellians Aiding and Responding to Employees (CARE) Fund, but unprecedented needs have exhausted the fund, and organizers are seeking donations from $5 to $500.

"For many years the fund, formerly known as the Emergency Grant Fund, allocated just one or two awards per year," said Beth McKinney, chair of the CARE Fund committee and director of the Cornell Wellness Program. "However, since November we have received 27 requests. It's unnerving that there are so many Cornell employees in financial trouble through no fault of their own."

The CARE Fund assists employees experiencing financial hardship with one-time assistance up to $2,500. Funded entirely by Cornell community donations, it helps faculty and staff who have experienced a sudden financial hardship due to an unforeseen or unavoidable event. All full- or part-time employees holding a benefits-eligible position and employed at Cornell for at least six months are eligible to apply.

"No one likes to ask for help. But if you have to, and someone is there to help, it's a great thing," said a 2010 CARE Fund recipient. "The assistance makes me very gratified to have served here for nearly 30 years."

Since its relaunch in November 2010, the fund has made 10 awards totaling more than $15,000 to employees coping with hardships including house fires and accidents. According to McKinney, the fund is usually replenished through an annual auction, which will be held in October, but to meet the current high level of need -- they receive new requests every week -- they need donations now. Donations are tax-deductible and can be made at any time or through regular payroll deduction.

"When the fund is flush, we are able to help more people, and help them in a higher quality way," said McKinney. "Recipients find the generosity of their coworkers an unexpected and meaningful gift."

For more information on donating to the CARE fund, visit http://hr.cornell.edu/life/support/care_fund.html, e-mail facultystaffgiving-mailbox@cornell.edu or call 607-254-6814.

Amanda Garris is a freelance writer.