FT. SHAFTER, Hawaii – Service members and communities as a whole are getting into the Hawaiian holiday spirit by paying it forward through donations to the world’s largest and most successful annual workplace charity, the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC).
This year’s CFC celebrates its 59th year of giving, and 18th Medical Command (Deployment Support) leaders emphasized the importance of getting involved.
“The Combined Federal Campaign gives Soldiers the opportunity to affect change in areas that are important to them, whether that be climate change, medical research, assistance for families in need, and numerous other worthwhile causes.” Command Sgt. Maj. Gary Williams, 18th MEDCOM (DS) explained. “It is one of the many ways we can actively take a roll to positively influence the future of our nation which has been gracious enough to allow us to serve in the professional organizations which we are in.“
As we fill our plates during this season of thanksgiving, it’s the perfect time to fill our hearts and serve those who so often go without. That sentiment rang true to 1st Sgt. Jack Decker. 18th MEDCOM (DS), Headquarters Company 1st Sgt. When he chose to donate this year.
“I am the father of three children and have been lucky enough that none of them have been significantly ill while growing up.” Decker explained, “I have always felt a deep sympathy for families who, through no fault of their own, had children who were diagnosed with cancer. Because of both my luck and their hardship, I decided to give to St. Jude’s Children's Hospital every year through the CFC. “
Maj. Megan Chavez, 18th MEDCOM (DS)’s command CFC coordinator explained the two ways for donors to make pledges:
Option 1: Visit GiveCFC.org and click DONATE. Then set up a profile, choose your charities, and designate your payment option.
Option 2: Pick up a paper pledge form from your unit CFC representative and select to donate using payroll deduction or a one-time payment by personal check.
Decker added, “The CFC is an easy and effective means for me to give and I am proud to support the program and St. Jude's Hospital.” (*St. Jude’s is one of the over 20,000 nonprofit charitable organizations that people can make donations to.)
Chavez also mentioned that showing support doesn't have to be in the form of monetary donations - there is a list of participating charities in the community where personnel can pledge volunteer hours as a way to support the cause. To find out more information, speak with your unit CFC representative.
Since its inception in 1961, federal employees have donated more than $8.4 billion through the campaign. The organizations they supported have provided health and human service benefits throughout the world.
Williams further expressed his personal reason he supports the CFC. “I, like many others, have had family stricken by cancer. This is my opportunity to assist in research that, hopefully, will one day eradicate the disease. Whatever our passions are, or concerns for the future of our great nation, I commend all for generously giving to promote change in those areas.”
If you are in need of inspiration, visit CFC-Hawaii.GiveCFC.org for a Cause of the Week calendar.
"During the Holidays we celebrate and replicate the goodness of the creator towards others with opportunities to support charities we care about." Lt. Col. Lucilio Mizerani, 18th MEDCOM (DS), Chaplain said. "As a leader, I encouraged you to make a difference in our community with this great opportunity to contribute."
Social Sharing