CFC: Help give back to the community that gives so much to us

  • Published
  • By Combined Federal Campaign report
  • 6th Air Mobility Wing
MacDill AFB, Fla --  It's that time of year again. The time when unit reps are coming to your work station, handing you booklets and pledge cards, and poking you to donate to the Combined Federal Campaign. In all the hustle and bustle of daily life, you might be asking yourself, just what exactly is the CFC? What's the big deal? Why do they keep asking me to donate? 

The short answer is that the CFC is the world's largest charity drive that gives the donor hundreds of specially approved charities to choose from. It's also the only authorized charity campaign where Federal employees, both military and civilian, can be solicited at the workplace. Established by President Kennedy in 1961, the CFC has evolved from a hodgepodge of Federal campaigns into a unified fund-raising system that combines all of the previously unregulated workplace drives. 

Conducted by the federal government under the authority of the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, the CFC operates in more than 230 localities throughout the United States, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and in most overseas military bases. CFC continues to be the largest and most successful workplace fund-raising model in the world, raising more than $272 million in 2008 for thousands of local, national, and international charitable agencies. In other words, it's only through your generosity that the CFC can function as the world's leading charitable drive. 

Whether you're interested in international charities with human rights objectives or local food kitchens that feed the hungry, the CFC offers a wide array of worthwhile causes. What's more, each charity goes through a meticulous approval process to ensure proper accountability. 

MacDill is part of the Suncoast CFC, a 10-county area along the west coast of Florida. The 2009 MacDill CFC kicks off today and runs until Nov. 16. The theme for this year's campaign is "Make a world of difference." 

This year, Capt. John Sokohl, 6th Air Mobility Wing CFC point of contact, hopes to spread the message of CFC through unit representatives to impact more people.
"Communication is the key," said Captain Sokohl. "Keeping an open communication channel between unit reps and potential donators can increase the interest and in turn increase participation." 

The goal for this year is a bit more than $118,000. 

"With increased contact and communication, I believe we can meet and even surpass our goal," said Captain Sokohl. 

With all the options for contribution, Captain Sokohl stressed that knowing where the donation is going and the reason to donate is imperative. He emphasized that everyone will have access to both hard copy and web-based booklets that list all of the CFC charities and their missions. 

"Servicemembers should know why they are donating," said Captain Sokohl. "With all of the choices we have, it's easy to make sure that you give to the cause of your choosing. 

"Know why you are giving and the importance of your donation; don't just give to give."
As unit representatives come by to collect CFC donations throughout the next four weeks, research, and learn about charities, local and national. Through CFC you have the ability to help thousands of people, especially in the environment we're in today," added Captain Sokohl.