Combined Federal Campaign seeks increased donations and participation

PATRICK AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- Project officers and leadership kicked off the 2011 Combined Federal Campaign Oct. 7 with goals of increasing charitable contributions and employee participation.

"This year is the 50th anniversary of the world's largest and most successful annual workplace charity campaign," said Maj. Shana Figueroa, 45th Space Wing CFC Project Officer. "Our goal is to raise $205,000 with a 45-percent participation rate."

To help raise $5,000 more than the 2010 goal and increase donor participation by 5 percent, CFC unit representatives and organizers want to ensure 100-percent face-to-face contact with all members eligible: federal civilian and postal employees, military personnel, and contractors.

Contributions go to eligible non-profit charities that help people in need, including hungry, homeless, sick, children, families and many others in the community.

"The CFC belongs to you, the Federal employee, not the Federal government or the charitable organizations that benefit," Figueroa said. "You decide how to contribute - payroll deduction, cash or check (contractors must pay by check or cash) - and to whom you donate. You can direct your support to charities that work on the issues you care about most deeply." Contributors shouldn't feel obligated to donate a lot of money, she said.

"You don't have to donate a lot of money. Whatever you're comfortable with, even if it's $10, $20, or the change you have in your pocket," Figueroa said. "We understand economic times are hard, and people may be reluctant to commit. Even if it's a little, it shows you care."

The CFC runs through Nov. 4. For further information, contact your unit's CFC representative, Major Figueroa or Capt. Jennifer Spencer, 45th Medical Operations Squadron.