Mayor Bob Young joined government officials from neighboring cities, religious leaders and area business representatives to announce that Monday would mark the beginning of the city's Care and Prayer Crusade, a weeklong campaign to raise $1 million for victims of the Sept. 11 attacks in New York City and Washington.

''Each of us has been touched in some way by the tragedies of this week,'' Mr. Young said. ''America has always been unselfish in helping others. This time, it's to help our own.''

The Care and Prayer Crusade will run through Sept. 24. The first donation was accepted Friday when Asahi Ryokuken Inc., the Japanese business sponsoring the LPGA golf tournament in Edgefield County, S.C., this month, donated $25,000.

Joanne Kennelly brought the tragedy home as she shared her story of her missing brother, New York City firefighter Paul Tegtmeier, who disappeared Tuesday when he was among the first to respond to the plane crash at the World Trade Center towers.

Mrs. Kennelly and her husband, Tony, who attended the news conference, made an emotional plea to the city to support fund-raising efforts, and also requested residents' prayers for her brother.

The scenes of firemen rushing in to try to save victims prompted Boone Knox to put forth the idea of a communitywide coalition. Mr. Knox is the chairman of the Augusta-based Knox Foundation.

Thousands gathered in area houses of worship Friday to pray for the victims of Tuesday's terrorist attack at the Pentagon and the World Trade Center in New York.

President Bush proclaimed Friday a national day of prayer and remembrance.

While they came to pray, people also showed their patriotism with red, white and blue in abundance.

At Augusta's First Presbyterian Church, 250 to 275 people gathered for a noon service.

''It is so difficult for us to understand,'' said Al Lovingood of Augusta.

Lane Hutchins, who was supposed to travel to Boston on Friday with her husband, emergency room physician Dr. Julian Hutchins, for a medical conference, said the attacks have humbled America.

''We need to go before the Lord and acknowledge that only he can give the wisdom and courage we are going to need - there is no other source.''