Hundreds of charitable groups may need to turn away more and more "people in need"-  the unfortunate, troubled, or poor families in our region (some of them our neighbors and friends) - unless we work together to make this year's Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) a success. The deadline for contributions from HUD Headquarters and the Washington DC field office has been extended by two weeks.

Several HUD divisions and field offices have given generously in 2002, but as of last week's report, most headquarters offices were well below the level of contributions they had made in 2001. If HUD doesn't reach its goal to support the CFC, there will be less food for food banks; less safety and compassion for abused children; less comfort for the dying; less support for victims of disasters or emergencies; less care and shelter for unwanted animals; and fewer chances for successful medical research.

It's not too late! Payroll deduction is the way most HUD employees choose to make their contributions - it's an easy way to be generous by giving something every pay period. CFC offers federal employees a way to conveniently make a contribution to the good of society - while using their own values to direct their gifts to the charities of their choice. This is a once-a-year campaign, and everyone has an opportunity to be part of the team and an easy way to be part of the solution. No gift is to small, but please give generously, because through the CFC, Caring is Sharing.