U.S. Workers Can Donate Their Leaves for Charity

The Internal Revenue Service announced a program Thursday to encourage workers to turn vacation time and sick days into charitable contributions to aid Hurricane Katrina victims.

Employers would convert donated time into cash contributions to charities, and workers would reduce taxable income by the number of days donated.

A similar program after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks received limited response.

Treasury Secretary John Snow and IRS Commissioner Mark Everson said the government planned to better publicize the new program and expected increased response.

For workers to participate, their employers must set up a leave-based donation program under IRS guidelines to come.

The program applies to unused time for vacation, illness and personal leave.

Companies can claim tax deductions for money they contribute on behalf of employees who relinquish their leave, the IRS said.