Thousands of charitable groups - and the worthy causes and millions of people they serve - depend upon the 2001 Combined Federal Campaign at HUD Headquarters and the Washington DC field office, and local campaigns across the country.

To date, many HUD offices are standing tall: Office of Public Affairs (254% of goal); Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight (245%); Office of Departmental Operations and Coordination (184%), and Policy Development and Research (170%). Per-person participation is high in the Office of Departmental Equal Employment Opportunity (83% participating, 120% of goal); Office of Public Affairs (77% participating, 254% of goal); and Ginnie Mae (74% participating, 149% of goal).

And, congratulations to HUD Field offices in Anchorage, Atlanta, Birmingham, Columbia, Denver, Fort Worth, Grand Rapids, Little Rock, Memphis, Miami, New Orleans, Oklahoma City, Omaha, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Portland, Providence, Salt Lake City, San Antonio, Seattle, Shreveport, Sioux Falls, Spokane, and Tulsa - who've reported hitting at least 100% of their local Combined Federal Campaign goals!

But HUD's National Capital Area campaign is still tens of thousands of dollars short: only 10 of 22 HUD offices participating in the 2001 National Capital area CFC campaign - less than half - have reached their goal. HUD has reached just 90 percent of its goal, which means less food for food banks; less compassion and safety for abused children; less comfort for the dying; less support for victims of disasters or emergencies; less care and shelter for unwanted animals; less funding for important medical research; less chance to do all the things we need from America's charities - perhaps in your community!

Secretary Martinez recently said: "Time and time again we've experienced our country's great generosity when fellow Americans are in need - and this is a perfect time to show our support for local charities and community caretakers who serve the homeless�," as well as the hungry, the abused and the neglected.

CFC empowers every federal employee to contribute to the good of society - while using his or her own values to direct their gifts to the charities of their choice. This is a once-a-year campaign, and through Friday, December 7th, everyone has an opportunity to be a proud member of the team. Payroll deduction is the way most HUD employees choose to make their gift - you give a small amount every pay period and make a significant contribution over the course of the year. Day in and day out, your donation to the CFC makes you a part of the solution to problems faced - even before September 11th - by our neighbors, Americans across the nation, and people throughout the world. Everyone who contributes at least one percent of annual salary receives a handsome, golden Eagle pin - as well as the special satisfaction that comes from making a very generous (and often tax-deductible) gift. Please give generously, because through the CFC, Caring is Sharing.