JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. –
The 2012 Combined Federal Campaign is currently underway for Team Charleston until Nov. 11.
The CFC is a program designed to give all federal employees an opportunity to donate to eligible non-profit organizations which provide health and human service benefits throughout the world.
The CFC is the largest and most successful annual workplace charity campaign, with more than 300 CFC campaigns held worldwide to help raise millions of dollars each year.
"CFC is an annual effort supported by federal employees who donate to local, national and international non-profit organizations of their choice," said Capt. Jason Evans, 437th Airlift Wing CFC co-coordinator. "There are many organizations from which to choose, from local food banks and homeless shelters to international religious organizations and health awareness societies."
Although Joint Base Charleston has not set a monetary goal, it's important to make sure everyone has the opportunity to give.
"Our goal is to make sure we contact 100 percent of JB Charleston personnel," Evans said.
Each year, thousands of non-profit human health and welfare charities benefit from the millions of dollars that are donated through the CFC.
Joint Base Charleston falls under the Coastal Carolina region of the CFC and last year the Coastal Carolina region contributed more than $1.5 million.
"The Coastal Carolina region has set a goal of raising $1.6 million in order to top last year's donations," Evans said.
Since the campaign is the only authorized solicitation of employees within the federal workplace, the CFC stresses that donors determine how their money will be used. This is an opportunity for those donors to decide which charities will receive their gift.
This year there are more than 2,500 charities to choose from.
Master Sgt. Paul Walter, 437th Airlift Wing CFC co-coordinator, said, "One thing that makes the CFC unique is getting to choose which organization receives your donations. In the CFC handout is a list of all the organizations, and it is your choice to look through them and research what the organizations do. If you are unsure, but still want to contribute, a lump sum contribution can be divided evenly among all organizations."
Evans said, contributing money toward the organization of the donor's choice is easy.
"You can donate by giving a one-time payment or you can choose payroll deductions which won't take into effect until Jan. 2012," he said. "The money donated makes a difference to people all around the world and even those who live right here in our community."
Those who donate $600 - $999 become an Eagle club member and receive a personalized Eagle statue. Those who donate more than $1,000 are recognized as Keeper of the Light members and receive a plaque.
"Although no one should donate just to receive a plaque, it's important to remember every dollar counts," Evans said.
According to Evans, the military does so much to support the freedoms and rights of our country, and donating to the CFC is just another way to go above and beyond the call of duty.
"It's a privilege to be part of the military and have the opportunity to do what we do," he said. "The CFC is a great way to give back and help those who are less fortunate."
Trisha Gallaway contributed to this story.