Thanksgiving has passed and Christmas right around the corner. Read David Treadwell's post on why the Central Union Mission has initiated a Campaign for Compassion. What unique ways have you found to express compassion for others during the holiday season?

While compassion is a noun, by its very definition it includes a call to action: sorrow for the suffering or trouble of another accompanied by an urge to help (Webster's New World Dictionary). At the Central Union Mission during our Campaign for Compassion we hope to first call attention to the needs of many people in the Washington, DC area who are suffering, and, even more importantly, we want to present opportunities to satisfy that urge to help. Right here in the nation's capital there are thousands of hungry, homeless and hurting people. These men, women and children need food, clothing, housing and work. They also need spiritual guidance and practical counseling and training for everyday living. Did you know that one out of five children live below the poverty line in the District of Columbia?

The needs and opportunities for compassionate service and ministry in Washington are great. Our desire is to partner with many new and old friends and together work to satisfy the God-ordained urge to help those in need in our nation's capital. What can you do? Posted by David Treadwell, Executive Director, Central Union Mission