As gifts from staff and faculty continue to be made online or sent to the Hardship Fund at 130 Day Hall, applications to the fund are also being submitted to the Employee Assistance Program at 840 Hanshaw Road, Ithaca, NY 14850.

Under this program, employees can apply until May 29 for one-time funds to address increases of more than 5 percent in living expenses (rent or mortgage, dependent care costs, commuting, utilities, college tuition) or a change to layoff status or military service. Eligible to apply to the fund is anyone who is a benefits-eligible, regular, full- or part-time, endowed or contract college faculty or staff member currently receiving Cornell benefits or an employee on a job-protected leave, layoff status or notified of impending layoff status after Nov. 1, 2008.

Contributions to the fund began in March and will be accepted through June 30. The university is committing $750,000 to the Hardship Fund. Contributions made by staff, faculty and others who wish to support those in need in the Cornell community extend the reach of the fund to more employees.

All contributions to the fund are considered charitable gifts and are tax-deductible. Those who are interested in giving to the Hardship Fund can do so automatically through payroll deduction (through June 30) or by credit or debit card by going to the Web site below. Gifts by check can be sent to the Hardship Fund, 130 Day Hall, Cornell University (please indicate that these gifts are for the Hardship Fund).

More information about the Hardship Fund is available at http://www.ohr.cornell.edu/caringCommunity/hardshipFund.