Make a difference. Show you care. Participate in the United Way of Tompkins County's 1999 "Day of Caring" Sept. 15.
Volunteers are needed to do chores such as paint, clean basements, do office chores and clean yards for one of United Way's member agencies. Cornell is looking for a few good men and women -- about 100 employees -- to participate. According to Cornell campus campaign leaders, volunteers will receive paid release time to participate in the third annual "Day of Caring."
"Last year, 85 Cornell employees worked for a day at 17 different member agencies. Their day was filled with discovery, camaraderie and community spirit and provided many of us an opportunity to give back to those who serve our community with care and selflessness all year long," said Mary George Opperman, Cornell vice president for human resources and chair of the Cornell United Way campaign, which has a goal this year of $530,000. The overall United Way of Tompkins County goal is $1.75 million.
"This year, we're eager to continue this good work but it takes volunteers who are willing to roll up their sleeves for a day and work downtown," Opperman said.
Cornell staff and faculty who volunteer to do hands-on work at community agencies on the Day of Caring may obtain paid release time from their jobs, contingent on approval from their supervisors. "We're encouraging faculty, deans, directors and department heads to give the release time, get involved and show the community that Cornell cares," Opperman said.
On the Day of Caring, teams of Cornell volunteers will gather at Stewart Park at 10 a.m., receive free T-shirts and be assigned to specific work sites. Volunteers will be treated to lunch by their host volunteer agencies, which also will provide short presentations on their services. At 4 p.m., the Cornell volunteers will rejoin other volunteers from area businesses at the park to enjoy refreshments and share their experiences from the day's volunteering. Cornell Day of Caring volunteers will be recognized at a campus United Way kickoff Sept. 23.
Twenty-nine United Way member agencies and 10 community councils continue to offer more than 100 valuable health and human services programs for all people in the community.
"Here's an ideal opportunity to show our appreciation," Opperman said.
People interested in volunteering should contact Ann Cutler at 255-1713 or ac100@cornell.edu.
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