Every cent counts in CFC annual drive

By Maj. Gen. James MilanoAugust 18, 2010

Every cent counts in CFC annual drive
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FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- Soldiers and federal employees soon will be able to show support for their favorite organizations and charities as the 2010 Combined Federal Campaign season gets under way. The Fort Jackson kick off is Aug. 30. The annual charitable drive will continue through Dec. 15.

This is a great opportunity in which we are able to designate where we would like to direct our charitable donations. Soldiers and civilians make their own decisions in selecting where their charitable dollars will go.

The Fort Jackson CFC drive is part of the Midlands CFC effort, which historically has received tremendous support from the Fort Jackson family. Last year, there was a 39 percent increase in participation on Fort Jackson.

"iCare" is the main theme for this year's campaign, which forms the umbrella for the subthemes: "iServe, iProtect, iCreate, iTeach, iHelp, iBuild, iShare, iGive."

Pledges made by military members and federal employees during the campaign effort help fund non-profit organizations throughout the Midlands, as well as charities from across the nation and around the globe. There are 80 local charities from which to choose, and approximately 2,000 national and international ones that can be designated.

And, again, it's important to note that each donor has the ability to select the charity or charities of his or her choice. That's not to mention that there are three Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation programs - Fort Jackson Army Community Services, Child and Youth Services and the Installation Volunteer Program - that are supported through CFC funding.

The goal for the Midlands is to raise $1.5 million this year. The Midlands Area CFC raised approximately $1.3 million in 2009, which fell slightly short of the goal last year.

Overall participation increased, however.

Even during economically challenging times, the number of federal employees who gave to charity actually increased, although tighter budgets obviously factored into the amount the donors could contribute.

Our desire is to improve on last year's totals and get back to the pre-recession levels. Back in 2007, the Midlands had an outstanding year, raising nearly $1.7 million for charities - a 14 percent increase over the previous year.

But in 2008, during the beginning of the economic downturn, the Midlands still managed to raise roughly $1.5 million.

That's still a very generous gesture from the community. I am proud to be part of a group that manages to contribute selflessly despite the fact that many people are forced to dig deeper in their pockets to meet obligations and difficult challenges. This type of effort is certainly reflective of how we set our Army values into motion.

Fort Jackson will again play an important role in reaching the goal this year. Members of the Fort Jackson community should take comfort in knowing that their generosity continues to improve many lives in the area. Many children, senior citizens and disabled people receive the help they need.

Not only the impoverished, but educational and research programs - as well as environmental initiatives - are also recipients of aid.

Regardless if you contribute $1, $10, $100, $1,000 or more - individually or collectively - your support makes a difference. You can arrange your CFC donation through payroll deductions, which is probably the easiest and most efficient way to give.

If you have never participated in the CFC, now is a great time to start. People are what make Fort Jackson so great, and great people are capable of great things. Those two facts remain constant, year after year.

Army Strong and Victory Starts Here!