FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas -- The Combined Federal Campaign kicked off Sept. 15 with a breakfast at the Fort Sam Houston Golf Club.

During breakfast, short presentations were given by Sandy Wilder from Global Impact and Jeanne Warren, youth services director, FSH Child, Youth & School Services, on how their agencies benefit from the CFC campaign.

"I think it's important for people to understand that small gifts make a huge difference," Wilder said. She illustrated the concept by holding up three dollars and explaining how a contribution of three dollars per pay period benefited a family.

Warren gave examples of how CY&SS programs benefited children of service members.

"This is the one time that all of us collectively come together at our respective installations to be able to say, as a team we are making a difference," said Col. Mary Garr, 502nd Mission Support Group/Garrison commander.

We need to remind folks when they reach in their pockets to buy that next Starbucks coffee or Dr. Pepper to think about applying that money to a payroll deduction or writing a check to the CFC campaign, Garr said. "We can make a difference, we can give back.

"Each one of us has been touched by at least one or more organizations within the Combined Federal Campaign," she said.

"Whether through your church, health research for cancer, a scouting program or if you have used the CY&S services in the past, you have been touched by the CFC campaign.

"Take five minutes, look through the [CFC campaign] book at all those worthy causes out there and say, 'who can I make a difference for today''" Garr asked.

This year's campaign book lists more than 2,000 local, state, federal and international charitable organizations looking for support. The campaign brochure and forms will be distributed throughout the installation within the next few weeks.

"Last year, the [San Antonio] military contributed 5.1 million dollars, this year's goal is 5.5 million," said Brig. Gen. Leonard Patrick, commander of the 502nd Air Base Wing.

Patrick encouraged managers, directors and key campaign workers to make it personal and help individuals understand what the campaign is and how it has touched their lives.

"Invest in something that is vital to you," Patrick said.

"Not only is Military City USA here to support us; we are here to support our communities."

This year's campaign runs through Oct. 25.