With more than $400,000 in pledges and contributions, the 2013-14 Cornell United Way Campaign has passed the halfway mark toward its goal of $815,000.

“Last year, our campaign goal was also $815,000, but in spite of our hard work, we fell short of that goal. We don’t want that to happen again this year, as many local and area community residents depend on us to help meet critical needs,” said campaign chair KyuJung Whang, vice president for facilities.

Cornell contributions can be designated to support the Community Care Fund, the Urgent Rx Prescription Program or Hunger and Food Security Programs, more than four dozen community service agencies throughout the county and United Way agencies in neighboring counties.

To provide an extra boost to the campaign, the opening home game of Cornell women’s hockey served as a fundraiser for the Cornell United Way campaign. In recognition of the team’s support, University Librarian Anne Kenney, deputy-chair of the Cornell United Way Campaign, encourages staff and faculty to thank the team by bringing their families to the women’s ice hockey games against Boston College at Lynah Rink, Nov. 29 and 30.

“Thanks to the work of the student campaign, led by Christina Roberti and Sam Coleman; the department and unit campaign ambassadors; the Cornell women’s hockey team; and the generosity of the entire Cornell community, we can sustain our current momentum and meet or exceed our goal within the next few weeks,” said Whang.

Donate online at the Cornell United Way website or download and complete a pledge card (if you did not receive one via campus mail) and mail pledge cards via campus mail to: Cornell United Way Campaign, c/o DFA, 341 Pine Tree Rd., East Hill Plaza, Ithaca, NY 14850.