CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
Team Charleston has once again demonstrated its charitable spirit by contributing more than $190,000 to organizations in the Lowcountry and across the nation as the 2008 Combined Federal Campaign came to a close here Nov. 12.
"I am very proud of our CFC program this year," said Col. John "Red" Millander, 437th Airlift Wing commander. "Times are difficult with the economy and budgets are tight for everyone. The contributions made by Team Charleston members will go to those in need abroad and right here in the Lowcountry. I personally thank each member of Team Charleston who chose to make a difference."
To put this achievement in perspective, Charleston AFB members contributed more than $1.1 million since 2004 and continually demonstrate their support for all CFC organizations.
"Team Charleston has certainly done their part in helping the Coastal Carolina Combined Federal Campaign and the local coordinating committee reach their goal of more than $1.5 million," said Maj. Jason Engle, Charleston AFB CFC base coordinator who is also assigned to the 437th Aerial Port Squadron. "Each of the local organizations we were able to help truly expressed their appreciation and without the energetic participation and consolidated efforts of Team Charleston members, the impact in the local community would not have been possible."
The mission of the CFC is to "promote and support patronage 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," according to www.opm.gov/cfc.
The origins of the CFC date back to 1961 when President John Kennedy consolidated the numerous charitable campaigns in the federal work place.
The CFC was developed in response to federal employees' wishes for a single campaign to reduce administrative expenditure, permit voluntary pay withholding for contributions, and to better support local, national and international health and welfare.
Since its inception, the CFC has become the largest combined charity drive in the United States.
Each year, more than 350 CFC campaigns throughout the United States help to raise millions of dollars. The donations made by federal civilian, postal and military members support eligible non-profit organizations that provide health and human service benefits throughout the world.
Major Engle said this year was particularly challenging with the economy and the deployed operations tempo. Although the campaign ended on Charleston AFB, the CFC campaign will continue to run nationally until Dec. 15. Those who still wish to donate can still do so and should contact their unit CFC representative, base CFC representative or go to the local CFC Web site for more information at http://www.coastalcarolinacfc.org/.