U.S. Army Aberdeen Test Center continues their annual tradition of unique fundraising efforts for this year's Combined Federal Campaign. The CFC allows federal and military employees to donate to local, national and international charities through the Chesapeake Bay Area.

Charlone Antoine, ATC's lead CFC coordinator, is new to participating in this year's fundraising endeavors. She and Dea Galloway, another of ATC's CFC volunteers, have encouraged members of the ATC community to give selflessly in the organization's tradition of service.

This year's financial goal is $50,000 in charitable contributions and to date, the organization has reached 30 percent of that goal. To reach the goal, ATC has delved beyond the usual range of fundraising normalcies to include some extraordinary ventures including a silent auction, Halloween cupcake wars, hot dog and bake sale, and a veterans' week pin sale.

"Our ATC workforce has been very supportive in this year's CFC effort," said Antoine. "We would like to thank all of those who have made significant contributions." She added that some future efforts include a chili and soup cook off, bagel sale, another silent auction and a holiday-themed cupcake war.

While CFC contributions can be made to many different, deserving organizations, ATC provides a significant contribution to a cause dear to the command. "The majority of [ATC's] fundraisers have gone to the General Fund; however, we designated our veterans' week fundraiser to honor and support those who served and made tremendous sacrifices," added Antoine. "We allocated all proceeds from this fundraiser to the Homes for our Troops Charity. This organization focuses on building homes and rebuilding lives for those who put their lives on the line."

Homes for Our Troops is a national non-profit organization founded in 2004 committed to helping those who have sacrificed for our country and have returned home with serious disabilities and injuries since Sept. 11, 2001. The non-profit raises money for building materials and professional labor and coordinates the process of building a home that provides the ability to live more independently. The homes provided by Homes for Our Troops are given at no cost to the veterans served.

Each CFC donation assists in fighting homelessness, curing diseases, rescuing animals and helping the environment, both at home and abroad. You can pledge a given amount to be withdrawn regularly or simply make a onetime donation. The amount you give and how often is entirely up to you and can be made by cash, check or payroll deduction. For more information or to make a contribution, contact your CFC representative.