MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. --
The Combined Federal Campaign was established by President John F. Kennedy in 1961 and has raised billions of dollars since its inception, and hopes for a banner year in 2014.
The CFC is an annual fundraising drive that allows federal civilian and service members to donate to local, national and international non-profit organizations.
“The mission of the CFC is to promote and support philanthropy through a program that is employee focused, cost-efficient, and effective in providing all federal employees the opportunity to improve the quality of life for all,” said John R. Armour, the CFC chairman and native of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. “The charities supported through the CFC range from nascent community groups to large, well-known charities.”
After raising more than $700,000 just last year, the Onslow County CFC hopes to continue building relationships with service members and make donations to local organizations.
The campaign is recognized as the most inclusive workplace giving campaign in the world with more than 20,000 nonprofit charitable organizations worldwide, but the Onslow County campaign has 2,405 approved participating charities in 2014.
“Giving to charities either in services or by a monetary gift allows for continued support and service to our community and its residents,” said Alicia Hill, executive director of the CFC aboard base and Marine Corps Air Station New River. “Remember charities are often where people turn in times of needing either because of an unforeseen devastation or simply to provide where the individual cannot. Without charities some people would not be able to survive.”
Members of the CFC are looking to improve the local community with donations and group participation to campaigns in Onslow County.
“CFC donations received by some local organizations are the only means they have to continue to do the work they do,” said Hill, native of Evansville, Indiana. “Without the kind and very generous support our donors give many would have to shut their doors.”
CFC staff hopes to have a successful season in 2014 after having to shut down for a short amount of time in 2013 due to sequestration and government shut down problems.
“Federal employees’ commitment to their communities is all the more impressive when we stop to consider the great challenges these donors faced last year,” said Hill. “Despite the challenges of the 2013 campaign, federal employees, members of the military and postal employees continue to show their commitment to their local communities and the world at large by contributing $209.7 million to participating CFC charities as a whole.”
The campaign also allows participating donors to give back to their hometown or place of choice during the season.
“There are many reasons for all of us to give back to our communities,” said Darnita L. Butts, CFC assistant chairperson, management analyst, G-1 with Marine Corps Installations East. “The main reason is that it’s rewarding to do good.”
CFC donations are also responsible for keep local organizations thriving.
“Uniting yourself to your neighbors makes you a part of something bigger than yourself,” said Butts, native of Norfolk, Virginia. “It makes you an important part of a living, thriving community and gives you a sense of fulfillment. It’s the community we all share.”
For more information about the Onslow County CFC, visit www.onslowcountycfc.org.