FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, January 16, 1998
Contact: Carrie Hyun
Tel.: (202) 366-5565
DOT 12-98

SECRETARY SLATER PROMOTES PUBLIC SERVICE,
ANNOUNCES RECORD SUPPORT FOR CFC

Secretary of Transportation Rodney E. Slater today visited a Washington, D.C., charity supported by the annual Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) to recognize the work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the importance of public service and volunteerism.

Secretary Slater, who also was chair of the 1997 CFC effort, noted that last year federal employees contributed a record $37.7 million to the National Capital Area CFC despite a 5.4 percent decrease in the size of the area workforce -- more than 20,000 employees.

"Federal employees again showed their generosity and understanding of the importance of helping their neighbors," Secretary Slater said at Grandma’s House, which provides 24-hour residential care to abandoned, abused and HIV-infected children. "Of equal importance, employees have embraced the theme of the campaign, ‘It all comes back to you.’ This year, employees have responded to the call to participate in community activities, showing up to volunteer at charities throughout the region. At this time of year, when we remember the contributions of Dr. King, we also must remember that each of us can contribute to the community in his or her own way."

The Secretary added that there would be a day of volunteering this spring in which employees from throughout the region would help the less fortunate.

The National Capital Area CFC is one of the largest workplace giving programs in the United States, representing over 350,000 employees.

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Briefing Room