CU United Way campaign gets closer to its goal

To date, generous campus supporters have donated $426,831 toward the annual campus United Way campaign. Those donations represent 80.5 percent of Cornell's goal of $550,000. Contributions to the Cornell campus campaign account for almost one-third of the $1.8 million countywide goal set by United Way of Tompkins County.

LeNorman Strong, the 2000 Cornell campaign chair, feels optimistic that United Way will reach its fund-raising goal.

"The pace is a little slower this year, but we know there are still many donations that need to be accounted for over the next few weeks," said Strong, who added that United Way pledges can be paid through payroll deduction, by check or with a credit card. He pointed out that the United Way tax-deductible donations support more than 100 health and human service programs throughout Tompkins County. Below are just a few of the many programs that depend on United Way support year-round:

• Food programs for the needy (American Red Cross and the Salvation Army of Tompkins County);
• Counseling services for battered women (Task Force for Battered Women);
• Recreation programs for youth (GIAC and Community Council programs);
• Literacy programs for youth and adults (Literacy Volunteers);
• Transportation services for the elderly and disabled (Gadabout);
• Emergency disaster services (American Red Cross and Salvation Army);
• Mental health referrals and advocacy (Mental Health Association);
• Day Care Programs (Drop-In Children's Center and Day Care & Child Development Council);
• Legal services for those below the poverty level (Neighborhood Legal Services);
• Housing solutions for low-income and homeless populations (Better Housing of Tompkins County and the American Red Cross, county chapter);
• 24-hour Crisis Line (Suicide Prevention and Crisis Service);
• Counseling services and respite program (Family and Children's Service).

Thousands of people ranging in age from newborns to senior citizens depend on these valuable programs and services every day of the year, Strong said. Some of these programs and services could be in jeopardy if the annual goal isn't reached.

Included in this year's campaign goal is United Way's drive to raise 1 million pennies in jars placed around the community. To date, more than 110,000 pennies have been collected.

"I am really proud to report that over 98 percent of our contributions stay right here in Tompkins County," said Strong. "Please note that you can designate your gift to one or more of the agencies, thereby targeting your dollars right where you want them to go. You also have the opportunity of excluding an agency by selecting the negative-designation option."

If you have not already turned in your pledge card via campus mail, Strong suggests that it be sent directly to Cornell's Audit Office in Toboggan Lodge. If your pledge card has been misplaced, new ones can be obtained on the following web site: http://jeanne.campuslife.cornell.edu/uw.html. Even if you decide not to make a contribution this year, campus campaign coordinators ask that your United Way pledge card be returned by Dec. 20.