By Susan S. Lang
"We're almost there," said Charles Walcott, chair of the 2004 Cornell United Way Campaign and dean of university faculty. "Thanks to a generous Cornell community, we hope to make our goal by year's end."
Contributions to Cornell's campus campaign account for one-third of the $1.8 million countywide goal set by the United Way of Tompkins County.
"Each year, one or more of the United Way's member agencies and/or community councils touch thousands of our friends and neighbors -- infants through senior citizens," Walcott said. "The needs of these organizations continue to grow as their service to our community increases. Given the recent change in our world, this year's effort takes on even greater significance."
Walcott stressed that United Way pledges can be paid through payroll deduction, in a check or with a credit card. He pointed out that United Way tax-deductible donations support more than 100 health and human service programs throughout Tompkins County.
These services include food programs for the needy, services for children and adults with disabilities, emergency disaster services, mental health referrals and advocacy, experiential education and mentoring for young adults, legal services for those below the poverty level, housing solutions for low-income and homeless populations, 24-hour crisis lines, literacy programs, and transportation services for the elderly and physically disabled. Some of these programs and services could be in jeopardy if the annual goal isn't reached, Walcott said.
If you have not already returned your pledge card via campus mail, Walcott strongly encourages you to do so. If your card has been misplaced, a new one can be downloaded at http://sws.cornell.edu/cuw/. Even if you decide not to make a contribution this year, campus campaign coordinators ask that your pledge card be returned by Dec. 20.
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