REDSTONE ARSENAL, Alabama -- From the Heart of Dixie, federal employees are opening their hearts and wallets to support the 2016 Combined Federal Campaign.

Team Redstone kicked off the 2016 Tennessee Valley CFC with the theme "Show Some Love" during a ceremony at the Marshall Space Flight Center Activities Building Sept. 15. The 2016 campaign will end Dec. 15.

"Organizations that align themselves with the Combined Federal Campaign have made a dramatic difference in peoples' lives," said. Lt. Gen. David L. Mann, commanding general, U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command/Army Forces Strategic Command. "It is a way for us to give back. Despite the many challenges we have as a country, we are truly blessed. It says a lot about us as a people, as a community, as a military and as citizens when we give to others.

"CFC has grown into the largest annual workplace charity campaign across the world," he added. "Millions of dollars each year are generated on behalf of very worthy charities. I take a lot of comfort in knowing that my contributions are going where I want them to go."

The mission of CFC is to promote and support philanthropy through a program that is employee focused, cost efficient, and effective in providing all federal employees the opportunity to improve the quality of life for others. CFC has been the world's largest workplace giving campaign since it started in 1961 under President John F. Kennedy.

Federal employees have donated more than $8 billion for charity organizations through CFC. Pledges made by federal civilian and military donors during the campaign season support eligible non-profit organizations that provide health and human service benefits throughout the world. Contributions can be made either by cash or check, or can be automatically deducted from an employee's paycheck.

During the kickoff event, an agency fair showcasing 40 local nonprofit organizations provided an opportunity for attendees to learn about charities that benefit from the CFC.

"Our mission is to create solutions that solve hunger today and end hunger tomorrow," said Laura Fincher, Food Bank of North Alabama community relations manager. "It is important to be a part of CFC because it raises awareness and gives an opportunity to interact and share our mission with our community members.

"It is great to be one of the many groups here today," she added. "We love meeting with the other groups, and we hope to expand our mission to help feed the community."

Retired Lt. Col. Jeffrey Wishik, Semper Fi Community Task Force chairman, said his organization was thankful for the opportunity to come out and explain what they do to support those who have served their nation and in support of the families of veterans.

"We are a new member of CFC and want people to know everything we do within the Semper Fi Task Force is to support service members, veterans and their families, as well as Gold Star Families," Wishik said. "We are hopeful that those wanting to donate are aware that we are local and the activities we are engaged in are focused on North Alabama and specifically focused on Redstone Arsenal and its surrounding area."

For more information about CFC, go to their web site at http://cfcnca.org/.