JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. –
The annual Navy - Marine Corps Relief Society fund drive kicked off, March 1 and is scheduled to run through March 31 at Joint Base Charleston with a goal of raising $200,000 this year.
NMCRS is a non-profit charitable organization sponsored by the Department of the Navy and operates nearly 250 offices ashore and afloat at Navy and Marine Corps bases.
According to the NMCRS website, the NMCRS mission is to provide, in partnership with the Navy and Marines Corps, financial, educational and other assistance to members of the naval services of the United States and their family members and survivors when in need.
"Contributions received from Sailors and Marines, both active duty and Reserve, become direct financial assistance to your Shipmates and fellow Marines," said David Hastings, JB Charleston - Weapons Station NMCRS director.
Last year, JB Charleston - Weapons Station NMCRS campaign surpassed its goal by 25 percent and the nationwide fund drive generated $10 million. Hastings is confident this year's campaign will be just as successful.
"There is no way to know when you're going to need that extra bit of money to help with an unexpected bill or need funds for an emergency situation," said Lt. j.g. William Sever, Naval Support Activity NMCRS Fund Drive coordinator. "Raising money for the NMCRS directly supports our local Sailors and Marines who may need that financial assistance."
"With various economic hardships, Sailors and Marines are seeking out NMCRS more often," Sever concluded. "The society is capable of providing our service members financial support through services which directly supports the Navy's mission, ensuring our service members can remain focused on the tasks at hand and not worry about their finances."
"There is a strong history of Sailors and Marines taking care of their own," said Hastings. "The NMCRS has played a vital role in keeping that tradition alive for more than 100 years and with the success we've had at JB Charleston, we'll be taking care of our own for many years to come."
Unit representatives are responsible for making 100 percent contact with all Sailors and Marines in regards to the NMCRS fund drive. Service members may make monthly allotments, or make a cash or check contribution.
For more information, service members can call the JB Charleston - Weapons Station NMCRS office at 764 - 7662, visit 1004 Jefferson Avenue Bldg. 717 on the Weapons Station; or visit the NMCRS website at www.nmcrs.org.