More than 10,000 pounds of food and personal-care items were collected during the 2009 Stephen E. Garner Day of Caring, sponsored by the United Way of Tompkins County Sept. 17. The donations, which exceeded the contributions of years past, were distributed to 18 local food pantries and community agencies. Organizers estimate that 35 percent of donations came from the Cornell community.

The brief noontime event, held at Ithaca's Stewart Park, kicked off the 2009 United Way of Tompkins County Campaign -- with a goal of $2,075,000 -- as well as the Cornell United Way Campaign -- with a $725,000 goal.

Cornell volunteers in more than 50 buildings on campus were involved in the effort. Contributing substantially to the success of this year's drive was the second annual Cornell Greek Week Can Drive, a friendly competition among "tribes" of Cornell fraternity and sorority chapters who vied to donate the largest number of cans of food. The event was part of "Greek Week: Survivor."

The can drive, which brought in more than 3,500 cans of food, was spearheaded by Jason Shapiro '10, of Cornell's Interfraternity Council and a Cornell United Way Campaign cabinet member, and Jessica Powers '11, vice president of programming for the Panhellenic Council.

Deputy Provost David Harris is this year's Cornell United Way Campaign chair. "We're looking for everyone's help to [reach our goal]," he said, noting that pledge cards will be mailed out soon.

Karen Brown is director of Campus Life marketing and communications.