Wouldn't you like to bring a little joy into the life of a low-income boy or girl this holiday season? HUD employees across the nation can make a difference in a little one's life by supporting HUD's 2002 Toys for Tots campaign, conducted by the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves. But time is running out!

The Toys for Tots campaign at HUD Headquarters ends on December 19th, so to make a difference this year you must bring a new, unwrapped toy and place it in a pick-up box in the North or South lobbies by Thursday. Many HUD field offices also are ending their seasonal drives: it's countdown time for every HUD employee who wants to help a poor girl or boy have a brighter holiday. Other federal workers or visitors to HUD's website can still share the spirit of the season by finding names and contact information for thousands of local coordinators nationwide (www.toysfortots.org/2002/). (This link will take you to the Toys For Tots website - just select your state from the "Toy Drive in Your Community" box at the bottom left of the page and click "Go.")

Wherever you make your gift, it goes to a low-income child in your own community. Headquarters HUD Toys for Tots holiday gifts will bring smiles to the faces of needy kids - from toddlers to teenagers - in the District of Columbia, Northern Virginia and suburban Maryland. Headquarters employees are encouraged to share the joys and toys of the season by bringing in new unwrapped toys and placing them in collection boxes in the North and South lobbies - no later than Thursday, December 19, 2002.

Large and small gifts alike are welcome, but please contribute only new, unwrapped toys. Last year, HUD Headquarters collected 375 toys, and this year your kind and thoughtful contributions will help us reach our 2002 goal - or even set a new record - and help as many children as possible! Your gift toys do not need to be expensive, but we always get back more than we give when we help others less fortunate than ourselves.

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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.

Through Friday, HUD employees have an excellent opportunity to help low-income people have a special meal to share at the holidays. In conjunction with the President's USA Freedom Corps, HUD Headquarters is holding a food drive - 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 continue their support for their local food banks or pantries. Please be generous: by sharing with those less fortunate than us, we will demonstrate the true spirit of the holiday season. Those from other federal agencies or the general public - wherever they live - can use this food bank locator (www.secondharvest.org/foodbanks/foodbanks.html) to reach out to a neighbor in need and make this a Season of Service.