When the 2002 holiday season began, President Bush encouraged all Americans to reach out to neighbors in need and make this season a Season of Service. America is a generous nation, but all of us at the Department of Housing and Urban Development know that many hard-working, low-income people and families still need assistance. Through no fault of their own, many less fortunate Americans must still fight hunger.

Especially during the Winter holidays, when many traditions are tied to meals we share with family and friends, HUD employees have an excellent opportunity to help low-income people have a special meal to share. In conjunction with the President's USA Freedom Corps, HUD Headquarters will hold a food drive - beginning Monday, December 16th through Friday, December 20th - to help replenish the stocks of the Capital Area Food Bank, which serves the Washington, DC area. In the headquarters building, bins to collect your contributions of dry or canned food or personal hygiene products will be placed in four areas: the North Lobby, South Lobby, Cafeteria, and the HUD Store on the 3rd floor.

HUD field offices also are encouraged to hold a food drive or contribute to a local food bank. Reports from across the country say there are record demands on local food banks' resources. That means the selfless nonprofit groups and agencies on the front lines of helping America's poor need our help now. Every HUD employee in every office in the nation can make this a Season of Service and make a genuine difference in the lives of low-income men, women and children throughout the land.

Please be generous: by answering this call you will demonstrate the true spirit of the holiday season. Those from other federal agencies or the general public can use this food bank locator (www.secondharvest.org/foodbanks/foodbanks.html) to make this a Season of Service and reach out to a neighbor in need, wherever they live.