Description
Support Cornell’s Big Red Buddies
Empowering Cornell students. Supporting Ithaca’s youngest learners.
Big Red Buddies is a Cornell University volunteering organization within the Einhorn Center for Community Engagement. Each semester, we coordinate nearly 200 student volunteers who serve in local Head Start classrooms across Ithaca, Dryden, and Groton, helping young children learn, grow, and thrive.
Our volunteers act as classroom aides: assisting teachers with daily activities, facilitating play and learning, and forming meaningful connections with children who benefit from extra attention and encouragement.
| "It is the most fulfilling thing I have done at Cornell." —Big Red Buddies Student Volunteer |
What is Head Start?
Head Start is a federal program that provides early childhood education, health, and nutrition services to children from low-income families. By supporting kids from birth to age five, Head Start prepares them for success in school and life, while also working closely with families to strengthen community well-being.
Big Red Buddies is proud to partner with local Head Start sites to ensure these children receive the care, support, and learning opportunities they deserve.
| "The children and staff both look forward to having [volunteers] join the classroom each week and be a wonderful help throughout the program day." —Former Head Start Center Manager |
Why your support matters
Your donation helps us:
- Fund transportation and training for volunteers traveling to local sites.
- Host community events that celebrate and strengthen our partnerships.
- Expand our capacity so more Cornell students can volunteer and make an impact.
Even a small contribution can make a big difference. Every dollar supports meaningful connections between Cornell students and the children they serve.
Join us in making a difference
When you give to Big Red Buddies, you’re helping Cornell students engage directly with the Ithaca community, supporting early educators and inspiring local kids. Together, we’re creating a stronger, more compassionate future—one classroom, one child, and one Cornell volunteer at a time.
Donate today to help Big Red Buddies continue our mission of learning, service, and connection.
| "It is so rewarding, and simply showing up consistently is enough to make a real difference." —Big Red Buddies Student Volunteer |
As a registered student organization, we are committed to equal access to all of our programs and do not discriminate based on any protected identity status.
$15
Teacher's Helper
Help support our volunteer-base of nearly 200 Cornellians a semester!
$30
Spring Break Supporter
Cover the cost of one supplementary spring break kit, just like the ones Big Red Buddies helped create at our community volunteering event last semester.
$50
Playtime Partner
Help support our transportation costs so we can continue to provide reliable transportation to all volunteers!
$100
Head Start Hero
Fund a toy donation to Head Start to replace or supplement classroom activities for tiny hands.
$150
Community Connector
Allow us to expand our efforts for our spring community volunteering event, allowing us to provide even more necessities to over 200 children.
$250
Big Red Mentor
Your donation would allow us to add expensive necessities, like baby formula, to Spring Break Kits, which go to families in need.
$500
Classroom Champion
A gift of $500 helps provide a semester of transportation for volunteers serving at our Ithaca-area Head Start sites. Your support ensures Cornell students can consistently show up for young learners, giving children the extra attention, encouragement, and positive role models they look forward to each week.
$750
Big Red Legacy Builder
Help pave the way for an entirely new Big Red Buddies volunteering site! Your generous contribution could provide foundational funding for expanding our program to another Head Start center, helping us overcome transportation barriers and establish lasting partnerships that bring mentorship, friendship, and educational support to even more children for years to come.
$1,000
Big Red Visionary
A gift of $1,000 funds transportation for a full group of Cornell volunteers to travel to our Dryden Head Start site for an entire semester. Because this location is farther from campus, transportation is essential to ensuring children in this rural community have access to the same consistent support, attention, and encouragement that make Big Red Buddies so impactful. Your generosity helps bridge the distance, making it possible for volunteers to show up week after week and build meaningful relationships with the young learners who count on them.