CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
On your mark, get set, give!
The 2010 Combined Federal Campaign kicked off for Joint Base Charleston Sept. 9 with the start of the CFC Commander's Challenge Run at the fitness center Sept. 9.
While Joint Base Charleston has not set a monetary goal, it's important to make sure everyone has the opportunity to give.
"We are pushing for new goals as this year is the inaugural Joint Base Charleston effort," said Maj. Bill Skinner, the JB CHS project officer for this year's CFC campaign. "The [current] economic conditions make it all the more vital that we find a way to give back to the community."
Each year, thousands of non-profit human health and welfare charities benefit from the millions of dollars that have been given through CFC.
"Every year the CFC provides service members and civilians with the opportunity to give back to the communities they live in," said Col. Martha Meeker, Joint Base Charleston commander. "Last year alone, our Charleston military and federal agencies contributed more than $1.5M nationally with more than $580,000 going directly to local agencies. This level of commitment speaks loudly to the heart of all these great Americans as we join with our communities to help those in need."
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.
"It's amazing to see how many charities the CFC supports each and every year," said Col. John Wood, 437th Airlift Wing commander. "I think it's important to remember that even the smallest of donations can make a big difference in our local communities and in communities across the nation."
This year there are more than 2,600 different charities to choose from.
The CFC has a guidebook listing all of the charities with background information about each one. There is also an online option as well.
"I like to read about the charitable organizations online at www.coastalcarolinacfc.org because it's easy to get all the information you need about the campaign right at your fingertips," said Major Skinner.
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, 315th Airlift Wing commander. "This is the opportunity for us to give back to the community we all live in."
To make a donation, donors can make a one-time contribution or set up a payroll deduction.
"The CFC gives me the extreme convenience of being able to set up a contribution," said Major Skinner. "The money comes out of my paycheck, goes straight to the charity of my choice and is recorded properly for tax purposes. I get to donate to the charity I want without any hassle."
Each group and squadron within JB CHS will have designated CFC unit representatives.
The 2010 CFC campaign will wrap up Oct. 15.