Federal fundraising drive aims to build on last year's success

The federal government's annual charity drive has started, and organizers in the National Capital Area are hoping to set new records for participation this year despite tough economic times. On Sept. 1, the Combined Federal Campaign launched its 2010 season of giving, and federal employees nationwide will have until Dec. 15 to donate to approved organizations. Linda Washington, chairwoman of the National Capital Area's Local Federal Coordinating Committee and senior policy adviser for community initiatives at the Transportation Department, said she remains confident in the charitable spirit of feds inside the Beltway.