United Way's 'SOUPer' Day of Caring measures its success in tons

When the community was asked to contribute nonperishable food, shampoo, soap, diapers and toothbrushes for the second annual United Way of Tompkins County's 2004 Day of Caring last week, it responded with generosity: more than four tons of items were collected and distributed to 15 local food pantries and community organizations. Organizers estimate that at least 1.5 tons of the total came from Cornell.

"I want to thank the Cornell community for coming out and showing their caring last week. Thanks in part to their generosity, we fulfilled the United Way of Tompkins County goal to fill the large pavilion at Stewart Park with donated items," said Charles Walcott, dean of university faculty and chair of the Cornell United Way campaign.

The donated food was distributed by the Food Distribution Network, which sent much of the food to rural food pantries in Tompkins County. Food also went to United Way member agencies, the Salvation Army and the Red Cross.

The Ithaca Kitchen Cupboard at the Salvation Army, 150 N. Albany St., serves free meals at noon on Saturdays and at 4:30 p.m. on Sundays. Its food pantry is open Mondays through Fridays, 1:30-3 p.m. Donations also went to the American Red Cross of Tompkins County, which puts together food baskets for emergencies or as supplements for households that do not have sufficient food. The Red Cross also offers a homeless service with 13 shelter beds and offers food to those in the shelter.

The donated personal-care items went to Catholic Charities, a United Way member agency that serves anyone in the county regardless of faith identification. It offers a variety of services, such as help with clothing, prescriptions, security deposits, utilities, transportation, employment training and emergency financial support to low-income residents with urgent needs.

At the Day of Caring event, the Tompkins County United Way announced its goal of $1.8 million for this year's campaign; Cornell's goal is $600,000, one-third of the county's goal. Faculty and staff can expect their pledge cards in early October.

United Way is an independent, nonprofit, corporation, incorporated and governed by volunteers.