From The Mayor's Desk ...

The holidays are now upon us and, as a City, we certainly have much to be thankful for: We owe thanks for our police officers, firefighters, and correction workers, who have driven crime and fire deaths to record lows, putting their lives on the line to protect us, we owe thanks for our Sanitation workers, who have made our streets cleaner than they've been in decades, we owe thanks for our teachers and principals, who have helped our students make major progress, with graduation rates up more than 20% compared to six years ago, and we owe thanks for all of the people who keep our City running day and night - and who are serving our country overseas.

We have a lot to be thankful for, but this year - more than most - is also a time of worry for many families. The national economy has entered a tailspin, and people are struggling - struggling to pay their bills and make ends meet. The number of people seeking food stamps is increasing, and soup kitchens and food pantries are reporting substantial increases in demand.

This year, charitable donations will be more important than ever. Maybe it's just a few cans of food, or a winter coat, or holiday turkey, or a few extra dollars to the charity of your choice. Give what you can - and if you have a neighbor in need, offer a helping hand. Together, we'll get through these tough times - just as we did after the recession that followed the attacks of 9/11, and just as we always do.

Our Administration is committed to doing everything possible to help those most in need. Last month, we rolled out 18 new initiatives that will help New Yorkers weather this storm - including an immediate $1.3 million for emergency food assistance programs. These programs supply frozen produce and other food to people in all five boroughs. We're also applying more than $600,000 in new federal funds to ensure that seniors who qualify for food stamps apply for and receive them. And to help take a little pressure off family budgets, we'll be expanding free breakfasts in schools across the City.

The rest of the 18 initiatives are designed to help more people find jobs, help small businesses get the financing they need to meet their payrolls and stay in business, and help families who are struggling with mortgage payments receive financial counseling about their options - and keep their homes.

We know the months ahead won't be easy. But by working together, by going the extra mile to help our neighbors, we're going to pull through the tough times and we're going to come out of them stronger than ever.

And while we are enjoying time with family and friends during this holiday season, please remember to keep all those affected by the terrorist attacks in Mumbai in your thoughts and prayers.