Federal agencies that are participating in the drive thus far are the Department of Energy, the Department of Housing and Urban Development, the U.S. Trade Representative, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the Corporation for National and Community Service.

"This effort on the part of the Corporation for National and Community Service and federal employees will meet a significant need in this community," commented Leslie Lenkowsky, CEO of the Corporation.

Since the attacks on the United States, local food pantries are reporting that their stocks are low, with virtually no staples, such as rice, cereal and pasta, canned meats and fish, or vegetables. The Washington Post reported that one area pantry has seen food donations drop by 34 percent, with monetary contributions down 67 percent. And the Capital Area Food Bank, which serves 750 local nonprofits, has been told that grants it had been expected will be diverted to relief efforts.

Lenkowsky pointed out that local residents have been hard hit by the disaster, with employment in certain fields experiencing declines. "On Make a Difference Day, we will have a chance to make a difference in the lives of those who are in greater need now than just a few short weeks ago," he said.

Created in 1993, the Corporation for National and Community Service administers AmeriCorps, the National Senior Service Corps, and Learn and Serve America. The Corporation also supports other efforts to increase volunteer service to solve community problems.