This week, especially in light of the devastating media reports and images coming from Haiti, we will focus on the very timely financial subject of charitable and crisis giving. If charitable giving is important to you but you have not yet supported the relief efforts in Haiti, we encourage you to consider committing any financial resources you can, large or small.

South Carolina Federal Credit Union now offers a convenient way for you to address the dire need. It is collecting donations for Water Missions International (WMI), a non-profit based in Charleston, S.C., that designs and deploys water purification systems, and will match funds received, up to $5,000.

Clean drinking water is an especially critical need following natural disasters and is essential to aid emergency relief efforts. WMI provides a life saving service by making unclean water fit for human consumption. Its Living Water Treatment Systems^TM can purify up to 10,000 gallons of water per day, which can meet the needs of 3,000 to 5,000 people.

South Carolina Federal is accepting donations for WMI at all 19 branches throughout the state. Additionally, it will accept checks made out to Water Missions International and sent to:

South Carolina Federal Credit Union

Attn: T. Husser, Marketing Dept.

P.O. Box 190012

N. Charleston, S.C. 29419

We look forward to receiving at least $5,000 in contributions from members, the public, and our fellow credit unions and providing our matching $5,000 contribution to WMI. Thank you in advance for your help.