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CFC 2012 Kicks-off at Andersen

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Marianique Santos
  • 36th Wing Public Affairs
ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam --  The 2012 Combined Federal Campaign kicked off here, Oct. 1-5. Opportunities for Airmen to donate to their charities of choice will be available from Oct. 1 to Nov. 16.

"This year's motto is, 'One team: making a difference,'" said Capt. Amanda Altman, CFC's Andersen AFB project officer. "The motto is about individuals coming together to help make a difference."

The mission of the CFC 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 aid and support charities.

The Hawaii-Pacific area CFC has always been very supportive and one of the most successful campaigns, raising over $6.5 million in 2011 for international, national and locally-based charitable organizations.

"As military personnel and federal workers, service is in our nature," said Captain Altman. "Not only have we answered the call of duty, but we consistently go beyond it. The donations attest to the generosity and community spirit of our federal military and civilian employees."

The CFC was established in 1961 by John F. Kennedy with the intent to reduce disruptions in the workplace by consolidating all approved solicitations into a single, annual official campaign.

Through the CFC, contractors, credit union employees and other present or retired federal personnel may make single contributions through checks, cash or credit cards. Non-federal employees are welcome to donate as well.

This year, several different opportunities are available to individuals who wish to donate.

For kick-off week, there will be volunteers running the information booths at the Magellan Inn dining facility from 10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and the Base Exchange from 10:30 am to 3:00 pm to raise awareness about the campaign. The volunteers will have pledge cards that can be filled out with a cash, check or option for payroll deduction available to individuals who wish to donate on the spot.

There will also be a number of Andersen representatives aiming to make face-to-face contact with Airmen who may wish to donate.

Additionally, online pledging is available 24/7 during the entire campaign period. Online pledging offers an option for payroll deduction or a one-time credit card contribution through a secure online system. If interested, please visit www.cfc-hawaii.org and select "Pledge Online."

"Last year Andersen AFB raised $130,363," said Captain Altman. "This year, there is no monetary goal. Our goal is to make 100 percent face-to-face contact so that everyone has the opportunity to give if they want to. If they can't donate money, we do not want to pressure or coerce them; we just want to provide everyone a convenient, cost-effective way to make a difference."

This year there are more than 2,700 national, international and local organizations to choose from. Guam has 11 local charities which include Guam Animals In Need (GAIN), Habit for Humanity of Guam, Inc., Big Brothers Big Sisters of Guam and more.

"There is something for everyone," said Captain Altman. "We give because it feels right, because we believe in something bigger than ourselves, because we are moved by an event, because we want to impact others, because we strive to make things around us better and simply because we can."

All of the charities apply annually to be a part of CFC and go through a rigorous screening process. Each charity must meet the minimum requirement to participate and is federally verified. With all the options, individuals can support their charities of choice.

"Everyone gives in their own way and CFC is only one way to help," said Captain Altman. "We have people that volunteer at some of the local charities, we have people helping with the campaign and we see folks from Andersen making a difference in so many different and amazing ways. CFC is just another avenue in which our Airmen go above and beyond in serving not only our country but anyone in need."