CFC aims to improve your quality of life

By Vanessa Lynch, U.S. Army Garrison-Hawaii Public AffairsOctober 4, 2010

SCHOFIELD BARRACKS, Hawaii - In 1961, President John Kennedy, through a Presidential Executive Order, established the Combined Federal Campaign.

Its continuing mission is to support philanthropy through the generosity and selfless efforts of federal employees and military service members.

The CFC is the world's largest and most successful annual workplace charity campaign, according to the CFC website.

U.S. Army-Hawaii is kicking off its CFC campaign Oct. 1, in hopes of raising awareness, as well as giving a face to the many organizations in need.

The 2010 CFC runs Oct. 1-31, and this year's theme is "iContribute. iAssist. iRenew. iEnrich ... iCARE!"

"Giving to the CFC betters the quality of life for donors and families," said Marie Siliezar, CFC project officer, U.S. Army Garrison-Hawaii. "Donating to the CFC is an easy, convenient and secure way of giving to the charity or charities of your choice."

The campaign started out small in 1969 by offering federal civilians, postal workers and service members a choice of 23 charitable organizations to support. Today, more than 20,000 estimated nonprofit organizations are involved in CFC.

In 2009, federal employees raised more than $282 million for charitable causes around the world, and under the leadership of the U.S. Marine Forces-Pacific, the Hawaii-Pacific area raised more than $6 million for local, national and international charities.

Currently, 180 local charities directly benefit from the funds raised in the Hawaii-Pacific area, which includes Hawaii, Guam, Northern Marianas and American Samoa.

Army Community Service and the Hawaii March of Dimes Foundation are among local charities included in this year's campaign.

Funds donated to ACS through CFC will provide Soldiers and families with free child care, emergency food, Exceptional Family Member Program recreational events, and items for victims of domestic violence. Funds will also support other ACS programs.

Funds donated to the Hawaii March of Dimes Foundation will provide neonatal intensive care unit family support, health education and training and information to the public and health professionals to improve maternal and child health in Hawaii.

Individuals can opt to make a one-time donation with cash or check, or they can make donations over several pay periods through payroll allotments beginning January 2011 and ending December 2011. Individuals can choose to donate to more than one organization.

Adm. Patrick Walsh, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, is chairing this year's campaign and Rear Adm. Dixon Smith, commander, Navy Region Hawaii, is the executive agent.

For a full listing of local, national and international charities, visit the CFC website at <a href="http://www.cfc-hawaii.org">www.cfc-hawaii.org</a>.

Related Links:

Hawaii CFC website