‘Tis the season for giving back

  • Published
  • By Jim Varhegyi
  • AFLCMC/PA
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio --  This year’s Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) kicked off September 21 and will run through January 15, 2021.

In a video announcement kicking off this season of giving Air Force Materiel Commander Gen. Arnold W. Bunch Jr. said, “As you can probably imagine, this has been an unusual year. With COVID-19, and the number of natural disasters, and all the other events, many organizations have provided a lot of support to a lot of people. Now they find themselves in a position that they need additional support, and you have that opportunity.”

According the Office of Personnel Management website the CFC is the world’s largest and most successful annual workplace fund raising effort, with almost 200 campaigns throughout the country and overseas raising millions of dollars each year.

The mission of the CFC is to promote and support philanthropy 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.

In a letter to Department of Defense employees dated May 28, 2020 Secretary of Defense Mark T. Esper wrote, “For the past 59 years the CFC has given Federal personnel an easy, secure way to give back to the causes that mean the most to each of us. During this time of hardship so many people are hurting, and hardworking and dedicated Federal personnel, just like you, can respond in a big way. Last year Federal personnel generously contributed nearly $8 billion in much needed assistance to thousands of charitable organizations. The power of this campaign is that when we each do our part, our collective contributions add up to so much.”

The CFC isn't necessarily just about digging into your wallet to make a financial contribution.

One of the co-managers of the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center’s CFC effort Staff Sgt. DeAndre King pointed out that many organizations really need folks to help them through volunteer work.

“Even if you don't have the ability to donate financially, your time is a valuable commodity needed by many helping organizations,” he said.

For more information about this year’s campaign visit the CFC website at: https://cfcgiving.opm.gov/welcome.

You can also reach out to the keyworkers in your organization for details about how you can donate in your local area. Your keyworkers will provide you with the location/organization code you’ll need when entering your contribution.