CFC allows Airmen to give to many charities

  • Published
  • By Tyler Hemstreet
  • 62nd Airlift Wing Public Affairs
MCCHORD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. --  The Combined Federal Campaign and its wide array of charities makes it easy for federal employees and military personnel of South Puget Sound to give.

The program, which was created 45 years ago to help federal employees simplify their annual charitable giving plan, is now taking enrollment at McChord.

The charities are all pre-approved so you know you're getting a quality deduction, said Capt. Jeff Brittain, 62nd Medical Group, who runs the wing campaign.

"If you have an interest, there's probably going to be somewhere you can donate to support it," he said.

By visiting the CFC of South Puget Sound Web site at http://www.cfcgive.org/, visitors can search charities both locally and internationally. Visitors may also type in a keyword to find a charity that relates to their interests or concerns.

By searching for McChord, people will get a list of base charities they can choose to donate to through the campaign. Money collected for these agencies support the Airman and Family Readiness Center, youth activities, the chapel program and Operation Warmheart, an organization that provides emergency funds and assistance to McChord members.

Last year, the campaign raised $1,295,367, of which $383,343 was designated to local organizations in the Puget Sound region. Federal employees at McChord raised $169,882.

Senior Master Sgt. Tommy Key, 62nd Comptroller Squadron, who before being stationed at McChord was in charge of training CFC unit representatives at Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska, has participated in CFC in the past and plans to enroll this year.

"When you start looking into the charities to see where your money goes, you can even check to see how much actually goes directly to helping people," Sergeant Key said.

After donating to causes that directly relate to his family history, such as charities that support cancer and respiratory illness research, Sergeant Key said he also used the program to donate to a local homeless shelter that he was involved with.

"They invited anyone who made a donation to come and see what they purchased with the money," he said.

Whether it's locally or nationally, those who participate in CFC can trust the money will go straight to the people who need it.

"You have the ability to really touch peoples' lives through the combined efforts of federal employees everywhere," said Col. Jerry Martinez, commander of the 62nd Airlift Wing. "Your gift will help ensure worthy organizations can continue to provide programs and services you care about."

Those who participate in the program may choose to donate a lump sum by cash or check or have equal amounts deducted from their paychecks each month for a year, with $2 per month being the minimum deduction, Captain Brittain said.

Online enrollment in the program isn't available because participants must sign an authorization sheet in person to have the donation deducted from their paycheck, he said.

For more information on the CFC, visit http://www.cfcgive.org.