CU volunteers deliver tokens of support to WTC site

Volunteers from Cornell have visited the World Trade Center site twice this month to deliver food, supplies and memorial tributes from campus.

Cornell Police patrol officer Jeffrey S. Montesano reads posters at the World Trade Center memorial site during a visit by Cornell volunteers Dec. 3 to deliver tributes and supplies from campus. Ellen Brewer

Cornell Police patrol officer Ellen F. Brewer, who organized the effort, said she has received "tons of support from everybody" at Cornell. And the gifts were much appreciated.

"People in the recovery area, including rescue workers, families and construction workers, were really happy to get our fresh stuff," Brewer said. Workers at Cornell Orchards pressed 120 gallons of cider and gave a "huge" supply of apples for the volunteers to deliver.

About 20 people, including Cornell Police officers and dispatchers, members of Environmental Health and Safety and Ithaca College staff delivered goods on the first visit, Dec. 3. Brewer arranged with the New York City Police Department for the group to go to the actual work and memorial sites to deliver supplies and place tributes. On the second trip, Dec. 8, the 10 Cornell volunteers, who included people from the offices of the Judicial Administrator and Transportation, also dropped off toys at a "store" set up in a nearby building for children who lost parents Sept. 11. A wreath dedicated by the ROTC program at Cornell was laid at the memorial site.

Among other Cornell tributes placed at the World Trade Center memorial sites were a safety helmet signed by members of the Duffield Hall construction project; a plaque noting that seven new books have been donated to Mann Library by the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) in memory of seven alumni who lost their lives at the World Trade Center and the Pentagon; wreaths from Plantations; a Dairy Store sweatshirt with signatures and good wishes from employees; messages from students in Donlon Hall; and other remembrances.

Supplies included shirts and other items from ROTC, Alumni House, CALS and the Campus Store; 10 dignitary packs from the Campus Store; box lunches from the Community Commons; bags of toys, donuts, juice and other items.

The Cornell Police Union donated $1,000.

Brewer said visiting the site is emotionally wrenching: "At the reviewing stand, you're frozen in time." She said it was "immensely helpful" to be able to contribute in a small way to the rescue efforts.

She added: "The best thing to come of our efforts was to give the university a voice there. The biggest thing we brought was the university's condolences and heartfelt sorrow."

Brewer said she and other volunteers are still collecting tributes and supplies to deliver to New York in future trips.