Helping our own: CFC gives Airmen chance to make difference

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Eric Schloeffel
  • 23rd Wing Public Affairs
The Combined Federal Campaign, which kicked off Monday, is designed to help ease the process of finding that special cause worthy of our hard-earned money. 

The six-week program combines more than 1,800 charities and foundations under one umbrella and timeframe, said Capt. John Weeks, 23rd Wing CFC representative. 

"CFC is a one-time-a-year chance for all international, national and local agencies to solicit from military and federal employees," he said. 

The many organizations participating in the campaign represent a wide variety of causes, giving donators choices in where their money is spent, said Captain Weeks. 

"There is an organization dedicated to nearly any cause you can think of," he said. "People can donate to charities at the local level to support Team Moody or help feed the hungry in Africa." 

Last year, CFC contributions from Team Moody members gave more than $2,500 to Airmen and their families for food vouchers and helped make Moody youth programs more affordable. 

With many organizations dedicated to disease research, donating to the CFC can hit close to home for many people, said Tech. Sgt. Ronald Killen, 23rd Logistics Readiness Squadron CFC representative. 

"Cancer and heart disease run in my family, so I donate to organizations and hope one day we can find cures," he said. "I've donated for 14 years, because it makes me feel like I'm giving something back and making a difference." 

There is also information in the CFC catalog pertaining to the administration fees each organization takes out of donations for overhead. This can help donators decide which organization will best use their money. 

To obtain the CFC catalog or a donation card, contact CFC representatives available at the squadron and flight levels. The CFC information can also be accessed via Moody's Intranet at https://wwwmil.moody.af.mil/. 

"It's very easy to fill out a donation card," said Captain Weeks. "All you need is the code of the charity, name and how much you want to give. It's very important to print legibly on the form though. If it gets sent out and can't be read, it takes a lot of work to get it back where it started to get the proper information." 

All military members and Department of Defense civilians are allowed to donate to the CFC by cash or allotted payments. Moody federal contractors can donate, but don't have the option to pay via allotment. 

The CFC is also sponsoring a 5-kilometer run scheduled at 7 a.m. Oct. 25 behind the Freedom I Fitness Center. Free CFC T-shirts will be provided to the first 100 people who cross the finish line. 

While the CFC is not a program that intends to "pressure" people to give, the organization appreciates every donation, no matter how small, said Sergeant Killen. 

"Every dollar counts and people can donate as much or as little as they want," he said. "This is the military's chance to show the civilian community how much we care about making difference."