Washington, DC -- Today, the Office of Personnel Management authorized the heads of Federal departments and agencies to allow a special solicitation of Federal employees at the workplace to support Haiti in its time of extraordinary need. The authorization of a special solicitation will allow Federal employees to assist the ongoing relief efforts in Haiti with a one-time cash or check donation, outside the normal Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) procedures. The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has recommended cash contributions as the most effective way to help.

"As we join President Obama and millions of Americans in mourning those who have perished and praying for the survivors, we can also help save lives in Haiti in the coming days and weeks," said OPM Director John Berry in a letter to Federal department heads. "Federal workers have always shown their generosity when disaster strikes, and this time is no different. To make it easier for Federal workers to give, I am authorizing department and agency heads to allow a special solicitation of Federal employees at the workplace to support Haiti in its time of extraordinary need."

Under the authorization, each Federal department and agency may make a one-time solicitation for relief efforts outside the normal CFC procedures.

While special solicitations by Federal departments and agencies are the best way for Federal employees to provide relief assistance through the workplace, employees can also provide assistance by giving directly to charities involved in relief efforts, regardless of whether the charities participated in their local CFC. Federal employees can contact relief organizations directly or visit their websites if a special solicitation is not offered in their workplace.

USAID has provided a list of relief organizations and further information on its website at http://www.usaid.gov/locations/latin_america_caribbean/country/haiti/eq/

For more information, visit: http://www.chcoc.gov/Transmittals/TransmittalDetails.aspx?TransmittalID=2789

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