ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL, Ill. -- Hundreds of federal employees spent their lunch break here, Oct. 9, at Heritage Hall, to kick off the annual federal workforce charity campaign.
Federal government employees donate to Combined Federal Campaign charities to make a lasting difference in people's lives in the Quad City Area and beyond. This year's slogan is "Give for Good".
The campaign period is open from September through December, and most organizations choose a six-week period in that time frame in which to ask employees if they would like to donate.
Approximately 50 CFC-participating, non-profit organizations set up displays and information tables at the arsenal cafeteria and spoke with employees about how their donations make a difference. Employees enjoyed lunches of Walking Tacos and bake sale items, the proceeds going to CFC. They also munched on free popcorn and entered to win a gift basket.
"I'm always excited about CFC time, because it gives federal employees the opportunity to be leaders in the community through their generosity," said Rebecca Freeman, Civilian Human Resources Agency employee and 2014 Illowa Bi-State CFC Co-Chair. "It showcases the enthusiasm federal workers have, to raise funds for causes which are really doing great things in our world."
"CFC is important to me because it gives me the opportunity to be involved and give back to my community," said Sarah VonHolt, also a CHRA employee and CFC Co-Chair. "It is always exciting to see how commands get involved with fundraising and giving. The activities, food days, and games that are planned are always fun, and a boost to morale, but most of all, raise money for those in need. All around it's a win-win."
Military and federal employees, including those at the arsenal, post offices, Veterans Administration hospitals, Social Security offices, and more, choose to donate through payroll deduction to a charity that has benefitted them, a family member or friend.
One charity that is near and dear to Freeman's heart is Living Lands and Waters. As an Iowan, born and raised on the Mississippi, keeping the river clean was always a priority. Growing up boating on the river, her family carried a garbage bag on the boat to clean up after people who left garbage on beaches. She appreciates Living Lands and Waters, which cleans up the Mississippi and other rivers and streams, and provides environmental and conservation education to the public.
One of Von Holt's favorite charities concerns animals. She gives to a local Humane Society.
"I can't save or give a home to all animals that need help, but hopefully I can help in some way," she said. "Also, I used to work in a Humane Society environment so I understand how much a non-profit agency relies on donations to function. A small donation can move mountains in caring for the animals they take in."
The Combined Federal Campaign is the only authorized solicitation of federal and postal employees in the workplace on behalf of charitable organizations.
The Illowa Bi-State CFC encompasses federal, postal and military employees in a 37-county area of western Illinois and eastern Iowa.
Last year, federal employees gave $401,096 to 733 local, national and international charities through the Illowa Bi-State CFC. Almost half of the donations stayed in the Quad City area.
More information on the campaign is available at http://illowacfc.org/. General information on the national campaign is available on the U.S. Office of Personnel Management's Web site, at www.opm.gov/cfc.
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