MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. -- The 2017 Combined Federal Campaign began with a kickoff ceremony Nov. 14 at the Grizzly Bend.
The CFC mission 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. Since 1961 the CFC has raised $8.2 billion.
The ceremony included a guest speaker, a raffle and campaign information.
The raffle included prizes ranging from a cordless power drill, themed bowling ball and pin, and gift cards from local organizations.
The goal of the ceremony was to achieve full contact with individuals while spreading awareness of the campaign.
This year’s campaign, “Show Some Love,” allows individuals to choose their cause or charity from more than 20,000 organizations nationwide while sharing personal stories and why it is important to them.
“Show Some Love is about looking into your heart and giving,” said Tech. Sgt. Richard Elkins, 341st Missile Wing Inspector General office and CFC representative. “It’s about getting out there and seeing what you can do to help.”
One of the ways for individuals to help out is by volunteering through their organization of choice.
“Your donations, no matter how big or how small helps,” said Airman 1st Class Chiyanna Maxwell, 341st Missile Wing Public Affairs broadcast journalist and CFC representative. “Even if you can donate 10 cents a month, which you can do, it still makes a difference. You could even volunteer if you can’t donate.”
Volunteering has been made available either online or by offering hours on the pledge form.
According to Elkins, volunteers can choose to provide their personal information if they want the organization to contact them, or they can contact the organization on their own terms.
As of 2017, cash contributions, fundraising events and undesignated pledges have been removed, while the giving portal, volunteering opportunities and retiree giving are now available.
This year the wing’s goal is to achieve $73,000, a 5 percent increase from last year’s goal of $69,000 which was achieved by the $74,000 total donated at the end.
“At the end of the campaign, if you feel as if you missed out and would like to still donate, booths will be set up in front of the Base Exchange and Commissary near the end of January 2018 to allow individuals the opportunity to donate,” said Elkins.
For more information, visit the official CFC website at www.opm.gov/cfc, or contact the wing persons of contact, Master Sgt. Tiffany Sargent or Master Sgt. Adam Sargent.