In the early days of September, keep an eye out for collection boxes that will spring up all over campus in a communitywide effort to collect food and personal care items for less fortunate residents in the area. The collection drive will lead up to this year's launch of the Cornell United Way Campaign, kicking off with the United Way of Tompkins County's Annual Stephen E. Garner Day of Caring, slated for Sept. 17 at noon at Stewart Park.

Day of Caring organizers estimate that the Cornell community contributed 40 percent of last year's donations, which amounted to more than 10,000 pounds of food and personal care items. Of that, about 3,000 cans were donated via the first Cornell Greek Week Can Drive. The total donations, which exceeded any previous year's contributions by 50 percent, filled more than 200 large banana boxes and were distributed to 17 local food pantries and community agencies.

This year, representatives from area nonprofit organizations say the need for donations has never been greater, given the current economic challenges.

On Sept. 17, at the large pavilion in Ithaca's Stewart Park, representatives from United Way of Tompkins County will present a short program over the noon hour to launch the 2009 campaign, which includes Cornell's United Way Campaign. Cornell employees are encouraged to attend.

Food

Personal Care and Household Items