For Release: Dec. 2, 1998

Jerry Berg
Media Relations Office
(256) 544-0034
jerry.berg@msfc.nasa.gov
/centers/msfc/NEWSROOM/

Employees of NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Ala., took to heart the theme of this year's federal gift-giving program by demonstrating that "Caring is Sharing."

Marshall Center employees -- civil servants, retirees and on-site contractors -- pledged to donate $441,224 during the Combined Federal Campaign to benefit charitable organizations at home and abroad.

The Combined Federal Campaign brings all federal fund-raising efforts under one umbrella through a single campaign conducted once a year on behalf of all authorized charitable organizations.

Locally, the campaign benefits United Way agencies of Madison and Marshall counties and the Shoals, the National Voluntary Health Agencies of Alabama, Inc. and local unaffiliated agencies.

"Generous contributions given by Marshall employees will greatly help those in our community who are less fortunate," said Cathy Nichelson, chairwoman of Marshall's Combined Federal Campaign. "We're proud to report that we exceeded our goal of $432,420."

During the six-week campaign, 78 percent of Marshall's civil service employees signed up to participate in the program. "The average gift per participant was approximately $209," said Nichelson. "Marshall employees really do care about their community."

In addition to financial contributions, Marshall employees also have volunteered at Care Assurance System for the Aging and Homebound, Christmas Charities Year-Round Inc., Habitat for Humanity, the Salvation Army and the Hospital Hospitality House.

"We held a Community Service Day in September for Marshall employees to work at some of the recipient organizations," said Nichelson. More than 50 Center employees participated in activities such as building wheelchair ramps, yard work and housework, restoring used toys and preparing and serving food. "It gave us an opportunity to learn more about the organizations and families we are helping," Nichelson said, "and it was fun."

A number of guest speakers also familiarized Marshall employees with recipient agencies. Presentations were made by representatives of four organizations -- AGAPE, Children's Hospital, Technology Assistance for Special Customers and the Hospital Hospitality House.

Bus tours gave Marshall employees a first-hand look at several area charities -- the Alzheimer's Association North Alabama Chapter, Children's Hospital of Alabama, Family Services Center Inc., Harris Home for Children, Hope Place Inc., the Hospital Hospitality House, Operation Home in Decatur, Huntsville Rehabilitation Center, Sterrs Day Care in Decatur and Technology Assistance for Special Customers.

"This was a great year for the campaign," said Nichelson. "The Marshall Center always stands out in the Tennessee Valley campaign in the generous way we give and show our support."

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Note to Editors/News Directors: For more information, call Jerry Berg of the Marshall Media Relations Office at (256) 544-0034, or visit Marshall's News Center on the Web at: /centers/msfc/NEWSROOM/