CFC: charity begins at home Published Oct. 16, 2008 By Brig. Gen. Susan Helms 45th SW commander PATRICK AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- The Combined Federal Campaign, which kicked off today with a 5K run, is now in full swing. Our goal is $180,000 by Nov. 13. While this may seem to be a difficult goal, I think it is an attainable one. This is your opportunity to give back to the community... the very community that has been so giving to all of us. Last year alone, Brevard County federal, military and postal employees contributed more than $700,000 to the CFC. What a remarkable achievement. What a remarkable workforce. But it shouldn't be surprising. According to Gallup's June 2008 survey, 16 public institutions were polled to discover which ones the public most trusted. The military emerged as the top rated, with a 73 percent rating in either the "a great deal" or "quite a lot" columns. No other institution was even close. One of the reasons for that high ranking is because the American public sees that even during a time of war - and a very volatile economy - so many of us continue to give and make selfless sacrifices for our fellow workers in need. And you do that - year after year - by giving to the charitable organization of your choice. The CFC is one of only two fundraising endeavors endorsed by the U.S. Air Force. There are literally thousands of agencies you can choose from that give much needed aid to children, the elderly, wounded warriors, the poor, the injured, the hungry and more. Some of the really great things about the CFC are: It is completely voluntary. All we ask is that everyone is contacted and given the opportunity to help, but high pressure "asking" is not allowed; You can direct your support to charities that work on the issues you really care about; Charities you support really focus on those who really need your help; and it has been around for nearly half a century and has a proven track record for success. Our commander-in-chief is in agreement. "CFC is the world's largest workplace charity campaign," President Bush recently said as he helped kick off this year's campaign. "By giving to the Combined Federal Campaign each year, you can extend a helping hand, provide new hope, and transform lives. America is a compassionate nation, we believe in the universal call to love our neighbors as we would like to be loved ourselves," he said. That's what we do, especially around here. Year after year. Because we know that charity really does begin at home. Thanks for caring. Go Sharks!