CFC kick-off continues commitment to community

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Anthony Jennings
  • 96th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  For many, giving isn't just an act of charity. It's a way of life. 

"Live to Give" is this year's motto for the Combined Federal Campaign. The CFC is an organization whose mission is to support and promote philanthropy through a voluntary program that is employee-focused, cost-efficient and effective in providing all Federal employees the opportunity to improve the quality of life for all. 

At the CFC kick-off, which took place Sept. 18 at the Emerald Coast Conference Center on Okaloosa Island, more than 40 local organizations rallied to promote awareness of the campaign and stressed 100 percent contact in order to reach the CFC's goal of 35 percent participation of Eglin and Hurlburt federal employees. 

"We know that everyone isn't going to donate, but with 35 percent participation we can definitely reach our goal of $700,000 for Eglin and $425,000 for Hurlburt, and ultimately, make an impact in the community," said 1st Lt. Alex Bull, 1st Special Operations Equipment Maintenance Squadron, Hurlburt Field. 

Members can donate to a variety of organizations ranging from Meals on Wheels, which brings meals to senior citizens who can't get it themselves, to Children's Volunteer whose missions is to enhance the lives of uninsured and under insured children by facilitating free immediate access to medical, dental and mental health care. 

The CFC has its roots beginning in the early 1960's in efforts to coordinate different charitable organizations so Federal donors would only be solicited once in the workplace and have the opportunity to make contributions through. It is the only authorized solicitation of Federal employees in their workplaces on behalf of approved charitable organizations. 

Last year, 90 percent of CFC funds were made through payroll deductions, an easy and convenient way for those contributing to spread their donations over the span of a year by monthly increments. Donors have the option to designate which organization they want their deductions to go to. 

Each organization is regulated by the Office of Personnel management who is accountable for assuring Federal employees that their designations are honored and distributed to the charitable organizations of their choice. Payments on payroll deduction pledges begin on the first pay period in January and ends with the last pay period in December. 

"Sure, what you donate may seem insignificant for you, but $10 a month, which is only one lunch at a local restaurant, can provide one day's care in a group home for a disabled person or feed four hungry people at a local shelter," said Capt. Eddie Adams, 46th Maintenance Squadron. 

Each potential donor for the CFC should carefully research and review the circumstances relevant to the charities of their choice to be certain they have a complete grasp on where their donations are going. The CFC categorizes the types of services that most charitable organizations offer. 

Traditionally, the cost of the campaign is approximately 10 percent of the funds reached. These funds are spent on printing materials, training volunteers, auditing contributions, and other administrative expenses. All local campaign costs are approved by the Local Federal Coordinating Committee which serves as a "Board of Directors" for the local campaign. 

Compared with other charitable organizations, the CFC offers an assured way to give back to the community because the majority of donated funds go directly to the charity's cause, regardless of the amount of funds donated. 

Though donating $5 out of a paycheck is a small sacrifice, its impact can go a long way. The CFC is just one example to the testament that if more would "live to give," the total impact will make a difference.