ANDREWS AFB, Md. –
The Combined Federal Campaign, the annual fundraising drive conducted by military personnel in their workplace, kicked off at Andrews Monday, and will continue through Nov. 14.
The CFC benefits thousands of non-profit charities and states that its mission is to, "promote and support philanthropy through a program that is employee focused, cost-efficient, and effective in providing all Federal employees the opportunity to improve the quality of life for all."
Last year during the CFC's season of giving, Andrews members raised and donated over $351,000 to various charities of their choosing. This year's monetary donations are slated to reach upwards of $364,000, with hopeful help from every working member of Andrews, including Active Duty, reserve, and civilians.
The CFC is slated to kick-off with a 5K fun run/walk Oct. 14 at 7:30 a.m. at the West Fitness Center. Other tentative events to raise money include a car wash, bake sale, charity fundraiser dinner, and bagging for tips at the Commissary.
People can also make independent donations. "There are many charitable organizations with which people can make a donation; local and national," said Master Sgt. Keith A. McCauley, 316th Civil Engineer Squadron program flight superintendent and one of Andrews' CFC coordinators.
"The organizations range from education, health related, and even animal oriented. They include charities such as Academy of Hope and Homes for Our Troops," said Sergeant McCaulley.
Key workers in the units will make 100 percent contact with everyone who is eligible to donate. Once contact is made, the key worker will give a short briefing to the servicemembers and civilians about the CFC and provide information on originations organizations in the program. The CFC 2008 Catalog of Caring will be distributed, which lists the different charities.
The key workers collect and receive all contributions, said Sergeant McCauley.
Donations can be made via payroll deductions and/or cash. There is also no minimum or maximum amount that people can donate; all donations are accepted.
The CFC is a way Andrews members can lend aid to those who need it right here on the home front. "In today's society and with the changes in the world, no one really knows what tomorrow will bring. It is nice to know that there are organizations that are there to help you in a time of need," said Sergeant McCaulley.
At the weekly 316th Wing staff meeting, Col. Steven M. Shepro, 316th Wing commander, said, "We (servicemembers) only have two opportunities a year to give in this type of form. As Winston Churchill once said, 'you earn a living by what you make, but you make a life by what you give.' This is a principle that works for people as well as an organization."