CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
On your mark, get set, give.
The 2009 Combined Federal Campaign will kick off for Team Charleston Sept. 16 during a CFC kick off breakfast held at the Charleston Club beginning at 7:30 a.m.
While the wing has not set a monetary goal, it's important to make sure everyone has the opportunity to give.
"We are looking to achieve 100 percent quality contact," said Master Sgt. William Lesage, who is one of Charleston AFB's CFC campaign coordinators.
Each year, thousands of non-profit human health and welfare charities benefit from the millions of dollars that have been given through the CFC.
Last year the Coastal Carolina Region contributed more than $1 million, with more than $200,000 coming from Team Charleston, said Larry Brewer, the staff director for the Coastal Carolina CFC.
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.
"One of the most important parts about CFC is taking the time to read about the charities," said Col. John Wood, 437th Airlift Wing commander. "It's a lesson in sacrifice and effort when you realize just how many charitable organizations are working to improve the health and welfare of our community."
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.
"It is important for us to recognize that the contributions we make to CFC pay big dividends and make a real difference in our community," said Col. Steven Chapman, the 315th Airlift Wing commander.
Contributing money toward the organization of the donor's choice is easy and can make a difference in someone's life, said Mr. Brewer.
"A contribution through payroll deduction in the fall does not start coming out of the donor's pay until January 2010," he said. "For every $1 pledged to the Low Country Food Bank, it can be turned into $12 worth of non-perishable food."
The Low Country Food Bank is just one of thousands of national, international and local agencies depending upon the CFC campaign for help.
Each group and squadron within the 437 and 315 AW's has a CFC unit representative.
"People will find out who their unit representatives are through e-mail and personal contact in either a commander's call venue or by the representatives conducting face-to-face contact," said Sergeant Lesage.
The 2009 CFC campaign will wrap up Oct. 23.