FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- Fort Jackson's Combined Federal Campaign began this week with an opening event Monday at the Officers' Club that brought together CFC partner organizations and installation leaders.
Nearly four million federal employees and military personnel are able to contribute to the charities of their choice during the drive, which runs from Sept. 1 to Dec. 15. Pledges made by federal civilian, postal and military donors during the campaign season support nonprofit organizations around the world.
Federal employees can contribute with cash or check, or can arrange for donations to be automatically deducted from their paychecks.
"The CFC is all about people, whether they're serving our country, volunteering or contributing through a workplace campaign, or receiving services from a nonprofit CFC organization," said Dean Cousins, Transportation Security Administration and Midlands Area CFC co-chairman. "Last year, the CFC collected more than $1.1 million, and more than $138,000 stayed right here and went to the United Way of the Midlands."
This year, Fort Jackson command is stressing the importance of educating new Soldiers on the importance of CFC efforts.
"It's really important for the leadership to get out and talk to their Soldiers," said Brig. Gen. Bradley Becker, Fort Jackson commanding general. "For the first 17 years that I contributed to the CFC, I did it out of civic responsibility. In the last couple of years, it's become more personal, as I've had numerous Soldiers of mine who would not be able to get through their treatment had it not been for the Fisher House."
The Fisher House Foundation provides homes for families at no cost while a loved one is receiving treatment. These homes are located at major military and VA medical centers, close to the medical center or hospital they serve.
"I'm only naming one organization, because it's touched my life, and so many of my Soldiers lives," Becker said. "(These donations) come back to us and it comes back to the local community that we live and serve it. This is truly important, and I'd ask you to carry that message to all of your Soldiers and all your civilians."
Established by a Presidential Executive Order signed by President John F. Kennedy in 1961, the CFC is the largest workplace charity campaign in the United States and the only campaign authorized to solicit and collect contributions from federal employees in the workplace on behalf of charitable organizations.
Nationally, more than 200 CFC organizations raise nearly $300 million from the federal community each year. The funds are used to support more than 25,000 local, national and international charities.
"As we look ahead, I know that the Midlands area is going to continue to make a difference in our community," Cousins said.
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