WASHINGTON (Army News Service, Oct. 1, 2009) -- The Army National Capital Area Combined Federal Campaign kicked off today at the Pentagon with host Joseph W. Westphal, undersecretary of the Army opening this year's drive to raise $3.125 million, up from the 2008 goal of $2.95 million.
Westphal praised contributors for their past donations noting that since CFCs inception in 1961, more than $6 billion has been raised. He added that despite the economic downturn he expected Soldiers and Army civilians to come through on their pledges as they always have.
"We know people are suffering, they need jobs, employment, but they also need assistance in their communities and part of our commitment is to sustain again our way of life as we have done throughout," he said.
The kick off included guest speakers from two charities well-known for their assistance to military members and their families.
David A. Coker, president of one of the charities spoke about the "comfort homes" his organization donates to major military or Veterans Administration medical centers. The lodging is free to family members and allows them to be near their injured or ill Soldier, Sailor, Marine or Airman.
"One of the great things about CFC is it's a donors campaign... and as you look at the Catalog of Caring, the challenge is to find something that you care about - either yourself, a family member or a friend and there's such a variety of organizations that I think everybody can find something they can identify with," he said. "The other thing I would encourage you to do is take this catalogue and put it next to your phone book because you have a resource of thousands of organizations that are here to serve you."
Guest speaker Sharon Jankosky said her 40-year old charity focused on advocacy, education and programs that support military families such as providing more than 30,000 military children to a free week of camp. She said her organization was also largely responsible for the increase from $100 to $250 a month in military separation allowance for those deployed.
"There's a wonderful amount of environmental and conservation charities among others. There's really something for everybody," she said. "If you already volunteer in an organization, whether building houses or making food, now you can contribute financially to the charities that you're already contributing your time too."
Today, there are more than 4,000 charities listed in the catalog which provide health and human service benefits throughout the world. Government employees and servicemembers may give to one or more charities via automatic payroll deduction or one-time cash or check through Dec. 15.
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