Agencies have permission to collect cash donations from employees for Haiti relief, the Office of Personnel Management said Jan. 15.

OPM Director John Berry said in a memo to agencies that the one-time special solicitation would operate on an agency-by-agency basis and would be outside of the usual Combined Federal Campaign. But Berry said OPM's Office of CFC Operations could help agencies set up their solicitations. He said agencies collecting money for Haiti relief should tell the CFC office which charities they plan to donate to, and how much money is raised.

"Federal workers have always shown their generosity when disaster strikes, and this time is no different," Berry said. "As we join President Obama and millions of Americans in mourning those who have perished and praying for the survivors, we can also help save lives in Haiti in the coming days and weeks."

The 7.0 earthquake that struck near Port-au-Prince Jan. 12 is believed to have killed 65,000, according to the Haitian government estimate Jan. 17. It largely destroyed the nation's capital and essentially paralyzed Haiti's government and infrastructure. The U.S. Agency for International Development has recommended people donate money to relief organizations instead of goods.

Tell us what you think. E-mail STEPHEN LOSEY.