The Ithaca College United Way Campaign is off and running! Once again, Ithaca College is happy to take part in this critical effort to support over forty-four United Way organizations that assist members of our community.
The overall goal for this year’s “The Power of One” campaign is $1,900,000. To assist the United Way in reaching this goal, Ithaca College’s aim is to contribute $62,000 to the campaign. With everyone’s generosity, we know we can reach our goal.
One of the agencies that receives support from the United Way is Catholic Charities of Tompkins County, which provides hunger and food insecurity initiatives for residents of Tompkins County. The following is a personal message from Christine Sanchirico, the Executive Director of Catholic Charities of Tompkins County.
“Have you ever been in the situation where you were unable to pay your monthly bills? Perhaps you had an unanticipated medical expense when your child needed to have her appendix removed, or your car brakes needed immediate repair. Or maybe your twenty-something child needed help with a security deposit for his first apartment rental while he looked for a job. Problems like these are reality for hundreds of families in our community who struggle with overdue utility bills, medical expenses, and high rent costs. They may be experiencing job loss or a medical crisis, or may be new to the community and seeking a job. Some work full-time, yet do not earn enough to pay the bills and feed their children. Rising energy costs this year are having a particularly devastating effect on families in fragile financial situations. Poverty is hidden from many who live in Tompkins County, yet it is an insidious fact of life for those who are unable to make ends met each day. The Samaritan Center gives the disenfranchised an opportunity towards tasting the quality of life that so many of us stay in this area to enjoy. We provide emergency assistance to low and moderate income families and individuals in immediate crisis, serving about 1500 individuals each year, 85% of whom have incomes classified as "very low," less than 30% of the median income. 42% are single parent females. Almost all have multiple issues acting as barriers to their financial stability.”
Help the members of our community by returning your pledge card to your team leader or to Karen McGavin By Friday, November 17th. All employees making a pledge by October 31st will be eligible for a drawing for many valuable prizes that have been donated in support of our 2006 campaign.
Let’s show the people of Tompkins and our surrounding counties what the Power of One College can do!
