Despite differences forged by history and happenstance, Russians and Westerners have a great deal in common, most notably a sense of charity. We have all seen Muscovites from every walk of life give what they can to the beggar or pensioner in dire straits, even if they have little themselves.


This instinctive benevolence will play an important role as the former Soviet Union . restructures itself into a modern society.


Charity is also a vital cog in Western life, be it on an individual or corporate scale. But these are habits that can easily get lost, especially in a country that is not your own.


Volunteerism and worthwhile causes are not requisites for survival, and for many foreigners the main concern in Moscow's unfamiliar environment is self-preservation.


Still, it doesn't have to be that way. For woven into the intricate patterns of Moscow in 1992 are innumerable opportunities to donate money or lend a hand.


The venues are as varied as the city itself. They range from a cultural museum in need of funds to a senior citizen's center that serves up hot meals for impoverished Muscovites.


Help can be as basic as donating athletic equipment to a youth sports program or as complex as assisting an area church with Somali refugees.


The International Women's Club here has a welfare group that volunteers for work in an orphanage and helps elderly people cope. Churches also are taking an active role in aiding the local poor. You may find details on these opportunities in this newspaper, and of course there's always room for more.


While many of us look down the road on occasion and think about moving back to our country of origin some day, we would do well to practice charity at home, this home, today. Western companies in particular would do well to contemplate charitable endeavors in their new outpost, just as they give and nurture at other locales.


In a society where people grew accustomed over the years to being dependent on the state, many private individuals are now in serious need, with nothing to cushion their fall it they can't make it on thier own in this society in transition. Civic organizations that spearhead good works are also in need of aid.


We could do worse than to seek them out and help them.


As well as doing good for the cause of your choice, you will probably do yourself some good.