JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. –
Jobless rates are through the roof. Inflation and deficits are on the rise worldwide and many experts project nothing but downward trends for the economy. In these tough economic times, many families need help.
Charities exist to lend a helping hand to families in need, and many federal employees are doing their part to help their fellow man through contributions to the Combined Federal Campaign, which began Sept. 26 and continues through Nov. 4.
Leading the way, Lieutenant General Darren McDew, Air Force District of Washington commander, stressed the importance of philanthropy at the kick-off event Sept. 23.
"You all made a decision to serve, this is just another way to serve," said McDew. "The CFC makes it easy for you."
Leadership from the 11th Wing and 89th Airlift Wing also lead by example, signing up to contribute to the CFC as they encouraged members of their organizations to do the same.
"The Combined Federal Fund is a great way for members of Team Andrews to give back a portion of their good fortune to others in need," said Col. Ken Rizer, 11th Wing/Joint Base Andrews commander. "The charities to choose from are almost endless, providing much-needed resources not only to fellow service members, but the local community as well."
The mission of the CFC is to support and to promote philanthropy through a program that is employee-focused, cost efficient and effective in providing all federal employees an opportunity to improve the quality of life for all.
"CFC is a great way to give - primarily because it allows me an easy and convenient way to contribute to those charities that are important to me," said Maj. Michelle Holderness, 779th Medical Group Internal Medicine element chief. "It allows for any contributor to individualize their giving. I also like that I can do payroll deductions for several charities with one contribution."
That convenience is what makes the CFC an attractive way for service members to donate.
According to the CFC website, www.cfctoday.org, the CFC is a convenient, efficient and consistent way to provide revenue for charities.
"Most federal employees elect to pledge a specific amount to be withheld regularly from their pay beginning in January and continuing through December," the website says. "One-time gifts are also possible."
The CFC also holds the charities it supports to high standards, focusing on persons who really need help - including the hungry, homeless, sick and disabled persons, as well as families and children in need.
Through coordinators designated throughout each organization on base, Team Andrews members may arrange to donate whatever amount they can manage to whatever combination of charities they choose from the list of CFC affiliates.
More than 200 are working throughout the Air Force District of Washington to meet the AFDW goal of 100 percent face-to-face contact with personnel within the command, to attain the financial goal of $348,500 in contributions.
"The CFC would not be successful without the caring and giving hearts of all of our personnel, active duty and civilian," Holderness said. "Thanks to everyone who can and does donate and volunteers to help get the word out."