Inspired by a Sept. 9 presentation by New Orleans community activist Malik Rahim and others, Cornell employees have launched a hurricane relief effort focused on providing essential personal care items for victims along the Gulf coast.

For the effort, called "Show your big red heart in solidarity," volunteers are requesting donations of baby powder, deodorant, hand wipes, lotion, mouthwash, shampoo, soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste, disposable diapers, feminine supplies and gallon-size self-sealing storage bags. Donations can be brought to the mailroom on the first floor of Day Hall or dropped in any of 100 collection sites around campus until Oct. 8, after which they will be packaged into individual kits by members of the Employee Assembly and shipped to the affected areas.

"A number of individuals are wondering what they can do that's going to make some difference," said Bob Harris, Cornell's vice provost for diversity and faculty development. "This is something that's specific. Malik, who's from New Orleans, who was there throughout, has indicated they have the greatest need for personal hygiene items. These are things that are going to be put to use."