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Cornell Elves Backpack Program

child's bright green backpack full of colorful supplies

Another school year is over and for many folks that signals that it’s time to relax … but not for the Elves Backpack Program!  This begins our 17th year as we prepare to collect new backpacks and supplies for many of our area’s neediest children. 

Who are we? The Elves Backpack Program began in the fall of 2007 with 284 backpacks donated to 12 schools.  Support has grown steadily over the past 17 years, and last year we donated 1013 new, filled backpacks to 33 schools!  This year, we are working with 33 area schools (please see list of schools on our website: http://elves.cornell.edu/.)  You can also check out our website for additional information about the Elves Programs.

How does the program work? Children who receive these backpacks are entering kindergarten through sixth grade and are identified by the nurses/social workers at the schools represented by the program.  Our sponsors include Cornell employees, retirees. students, local families, neighbors, businesses, and organizations such as the Girl Scouts.  Actually, anyone who would like to donate a new, filled backpack!

How can I help? It’s so easy to make the first day at school special for a local child! You can choose to donate to a particular school from the list on our website or bring the backpacks to the East Hill Office Bldg. (EHOB) where it will be donated to the schools who may still be in need.

  • Buy a backpack & supplies: A new backpack and all of the supplies can be purchased for $25 to $40, depending on sales and backpack quality.   The list of supplies can be found on our website:  www.elves.cornell.edu
  • Donate supplies: Did your business buy too many pencils or notebooks this year? Have extra glue sticks? We’ll get them to classrooms where they’ll be used!
  • Write a check: Don’t like to shop? No problem. Our elves know how to stretch a dollar and get what kids need most.  Any amount will make a difference to a needy local child! Checks can be made out to “The Elves” and sent to Bill Alberta, 751 Elm Street Extension, Ithaca, N. Y. 14850.

Are donations tax-deductible? Donations to the Backpack Program are not tax deductible because we are not a registered non-profit organization. There is significant expense and ongoing paperwork involved in becoming a nonprofit.  We are proud of the fact that we are simply concerned Cornell employees trying to support our communities. We have absolutely no overhead costs, and every penny donated goes directly to help children who are truly in need. 

What is the deadline to provide donations? In order that we can get the backpacks to the schools in time for the kids to pick them up before that first day, I will be in the atrium at EHOB from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. August 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, 16, 17 and 18.  August 18. 2023 will be the last day of collection at EHOB.  These backpacks will be shared with the schools who may not have received enough donations.  If you are donating directly to a school, please work with the leader for that school to determine their deadline for donations.

Questions? Contact Maureen Brull: mpb8@cornell.edu