Combined Federal Campaign collects for caring

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Kristopher Levasseur
  • 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England --  Servicemembers and civilian Liberty members may contribute the Combined Federal Campaign Overseas at RAF Lakenheath between Oct. 1 and Nov. 30.

The CFC is the only authorized solicitation of employees in the federal workplace on behalf of charitable organizations and contributes to more than 1,900 charities worldwide.

"I think the Combined Federal Campaign is a great program that has a wide variety of nonprofit organizations to donate to, depending on which organization you feel strongly about," said Staff Sgt. Vanassa Martinez, 48th Security Forces Squadron combat arms instructor. "Last year I donated ... and in return they sent me a letter of appreciation. It was nice to receive recognition; I felt I was making a real contribution."

Last year the Liberty Wing raised more than $270,000 in a two-month period. This year, the wing has set a goal of $300,000.

"Last year's campaign ran during the middle of an Air Expeditionary Force cycle, and we only had roughly 4,000 potential contributors base wide," said Capt. Benjamin Martin, wing CFC representative. "That isn't an issue this year. We're going to have people coming back throughout the months of the campaign and should have close to a thousand more potential contributors."

There are many ways for the base population to donate to the CFC from squadron functions to individual donations. There are even some charities that give back to RAF Lakenheath.

"The majority of the money we raise comes from payroll deductions," said Captain Martin.

Payroll deductions are set up as a monthly allotment deducted every month for the amount of months specified by the donor.

DoD contractors and foreign nationals employed by the United States may also give one-time donations to the CFC.  Only U.S. citizens can write a check or use payroll deduction.

Unit CFC representatives will be contacting individuals with pledge forms beginning Oct. 1.

For more information, call 226-1312 or contact your unit CFC representative. Additional information is available at www.cfcoverseas.org.