FORT DRUM, N.Y. -- Fort Drum leaders challenged Soldier and Civilian representatives of the annual Combined Federal Campaign to "get out there and get active" between now and mid-December during a kick-off event Oct. 21 at the Commons.
"You guys right here in this room are the link to how we are going to get to 100 percent of our people," said Col. Gary A. Rosenberg, Fort Drum garrison commander. "Go down to the platoon-sergeant level, (and) you make sure your folks have all the information they need."
Considered the world's largest workplace charitable campaign, the CFC began more than 50 years ago to promote philanthropy in the federal workforce. Over the last decade or so, the national effort has raised more than $2 billion among service members and federal employees.
"Here is one thing I will guarantee you," Rosenberg said. "Soldiers are generous. Soldiers are generous because Soldiers know they have been helped by these organizations in the past."
Fort Drum Soldiers and Civilians may obtain pledge forms from their unit or directorate CFC representative, who will also provide booklets listing more than 2,500 eligible charitable organizations worldwide.
CFC charities must meet specific IRS criteria to be eligible to receive donations by way of the federal campaign, which is sponsored by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management.
"If this is your first time, I recommend checking www.charitynavigator.org," said Command Sgt. Maj. David Martel, 10th Mountain Division (LI) command sergeant major (rear). "It grades charities from one to 100. You can see how efficiently the charity is using your money."
Martel said "100-percent notification" is a critical goal of the annual campaign, especially among young Soldiers who may have never heard of the CFC.
"It's important that they know they can contribute to whoever they want," he said. "Usually, what most Soldiers will do is if there's something that has touched them personally, that's what they will give to."
Contributions as little as $2 a month can be deducted from one's payroll or contributed as a one-time donation.
The campaign on post will run through Dec. 16. This year's goal is to raise $125,000 in contributions.
Judee Kelly, Fort Drum Financial Readiness Program manager, said individuals who donate $52 or more this year to CFC-affiliated organizations will have their names placed in a drawing that includes five $3,000 cash prizes.
"It's a great incentive," she said. "We can step up our donations -- I know we can."
Rosenberg, who noted the Special Operations Warrior Foundation was one of his favorite CFC organizations, said he personally likes to give to groups that give back to Soldiers.
"We all have something in our hearts that makes us feel good about giving to it," he said.
"I have tremendous faith in our Soldiers that, when given the opportunity to do the right thing, they will," he added.
For more information about donating, contact your unit or organization CFC representative. For details about the CFC, visit http:// www.opm.gov/combined-federal-campaign/.
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