I’m thrilled to be back at Sandia/California. Every day I’m astonished by the vibrancy and vitality of this site and the entire Bay Area. We are fortunate to live in a region of such natural beauty, abundant with resources and opportunities.

As we reflect on our good fortune, it’s important to remember that not everyone is so lucky. The economic downturn has pushed more individuals and families over the edge, and they are turning to local agencies and national charities for help. But those very organizations that provide the safety net are also feeling the pinch.

This situation may seem overwhelming and out of our control, but we can be part of the solution. As a site, I believe we can have an incredible impact through our SHARE campaign for charitable giving. SHARE, which stands for Sandia Helps and Reaches Everyone, enables us to contribute both as individuals and as a group. Each of us can choose to support organizations with personal meaning to us. These organizations will be different for each person. Some may want to support a local educational nonprofit or food kitchen, while others may choose to give to a larger group that promotes a special area of concern, such as the environment or animal welfare.

SHARE provides an opportunity to not only contribute as individuals but also demonstrate that we are part of an organization that has a culture of caring and giving – to each other‚ to the community‚ and to the nation. I take great pride in the many instances of giving and community involvement that I see from the people in our workforce. It is my goal for this site to continue to nurture and grow a culture that reaches out and helps those in need. Together‚ we can make a big difference.

We are about to begin our annual campaign‚ which runs from Oct. 5 through Oct. 23. I’d like to challenge the site to increase our overall participation. Please contribute to the extent that you feel comfortable with – every little bit counts. For example, a $25 donation can feed a family of four for a week.

Participating in SHARE is easy. An online application is available to set up your automated payroll deductions and distributions to the charities of your choice. You can access it from a link on the Sandia/California internal home page or from a link on the SHARE home page at http://www.sandia.gov/SHARE/. The SHARE home page includes information about the program as well as links to many charities that have benefited through SHARE. You can select any of the listed charities, or write in the names and addresses of your favorite charities. A paper form may be printed from the SHARE home page or obtained from your center or department representative. As always, your center or department representative or our site community relations officer is available to answer your SHARE questions.

Sincerely,

Rick Stulen
Vice President, Sandia California