Combined Federal Campaign launches

By Andrew McIntyre, Fort Jackson LeaderAugust 28, 2014

Combined Federal Campaign launches
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

FORT JACKSON, S.C. (Aug. 28, 2014) -- It may not be viral on social media, but it's a well known movement across the nation for many nonprofit organizations.

Since the early 1960s, federal employees have participated in the Combined Federal Campaign, a program that gives federal employees the opportunity donate pre-tax dollars to a charity of their choosing.

Monday, the Midlands area Combined Federal Campaign kicked off at the Fort Jackson Officers' Club. More than 60 people attended the event. Local and national nonprofit organizations set up information booths for employees to learn more about their causes.

This year's campaign theme is "Give for Good." The campaign will officially begin Sept. 1 and will end Dec. 15.

Maj. Gen. Bradley Becker, Fort Jackson's commanding general, said that last year the post raised about $360,000 and that he believes the number will be higher this year.

"This is our opportunity to give a little bit so that others can benefit," Becker said. "We talk about putting others' needs before our own -- this is another opportunity to show it through our actions. Even if we don't personally benefit from it."

Becker recounted a story of a Soldier under his command early in his career who was shot in the head and was critically wounded. He was not expected to live, but pulled through with the help of a charity that helped provide care for him and his family.

The guest speaker for the event was Mike Gray, vice president of resource development for the United Way of the Midlands. Gray has served with the organization for more than 30 years.

"We have to look beyond charity and look at change," Gray said. "In the Richland/Lexington area we have about 50,000 people who do not have access to health care."

Gray spoke about the impact CFC donations have on local charity events called "SC Mission 2014 Midlands," which was a two-day event that provided free medical and eye care for those in need in the Midlands area.

"One of things that is so great about this program is that we have three area hospitals that are saying we are in this thing," Gray said. "We are now moving to a health collaborative that is going to occupy the second floor of the Richland County Health Department and offer free medical, optometric and dental services. We are really excited about that because those are the kind of things your CFC dollars are doing,"

Gray said the entire campaign is based on choice and that he would like federal employees to remember that they make a living by what they give to others and make a life out of what they give to others.

Related Links:

Combined Federal Campaign Foundation

OPM: Combined Federal Campaign