William Alberta M.S. ’77 is the “Elf Organizer” for the Cornell Elves Program, a charity established in 1989 that gives impoverished children in Tompkins County school supplies, clothes and toys.
Though the words “spring break” usually evoke images of students tanning by the beach or partying at a tropical resort, this year Cornell students filled their nine days of freedom with an array of experiences, including volunteering and traveling.
More people are seeking the free meals offered by Loaves and Fishes of Tompkins County, a community kitchen in Ithaca, than at any other time in recent memory.
The Cornell Dump and Run program raised more than $41,000 during its sale this fall, a $3,500 increase over last year. Students and staff who organized the sale presented $33,500 in donations on Oct. 15 to five local charities that helped organize the program.
While it is admirable that student groups volunteer in support of things like world poverty and environmentalism, their goodwill would be better used right here in Ithaca.