The repercussions of Sept. 11 continue to shatter the lives of Los Angeles-area individuals and families who have become secondary victims of terrorism after they were laid off or when the safety-net charities they depend on saw donors' contributions plummet.

Since the attacks, United Way of Greater Los Angeles has seen California's safety-net charities hit by a precipitous decline in contributions and a steep rise in clients. In a recent survey of 413 California safety-net charities, such as Operation HOPE and the L.A. Family Housing Inc., agencies reported they have lost a combined total of $25 million in contributions over the last three months for an average loss of $60,000 per agency. An estimated 750,000 Californians will need safety-net services this year.

"When terrorists attacked New York and Washington," said Joe Haggerty, president of United Way, "they attacked everyone -- including California's working poor. More than 100,000 Californians have lost their jobs since Sept. 11, so our nonprofit organizations and the people they serve need immediate relief."

There's no better time for campus staff and faculty to join the "UCLA in LA" initiative by making a one-time gift or pledging an ongoing payroll deduction during the 2002 UCLA United Way campaign, taking place now through May 3.

"Indeed, it long has been UCLA's mandate to serve our fellow Angelenos," said Chancellor Albert Carnesale in a letter sent to the campus community. "We embrace this responsibility, and we strive to fulfill the promise that UCLA holds for the broader community."

Donors can designate the specific programs they want to support. More than 200 agencies benefit from contributions to United Way. Employees can also designate that funds go to United Way's "Community Agenda" to support pressing local needs.

Packets have been sent to all faculty and staff, including a gift form and information on the charities United Way supports. Also, see www.ucla.edu/unitedway.