Campaign gives federal employees chance to give

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Dillon White
  • 341st Space Wing Public Affairs office
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  Federal civilian employees and servicemembers in the Great Falls area can make a tax-deductible donation to an eligible non-profit organization of their choice during the Combined Federal Campaign Sept. 24 to Nov. 2. 

More than 300 CFC campaigns are held nationally and internationally to raise money for organizations that provide health and human service benefits throughout the world according to the U.S. Office of Personnel Management's CFC Web site. The campaign received more than $271 million in 2006. 

Each squadron will have a key worker that will contact its members and collect donations. 

"No one is required to donate, however the key workers will contact everyone and give them the chance to donate," said 2nd Lt. Tamara Wyatt, 341st Comptroller Squadron Financial Services flight commander. "I'm excited and I think it's cool that through the CFC, donations can go to many different charities that are local or global." All donations are tax deductible. 

A kickoff luncheon will be held Sept. 24 at the Grizzly Bend Club for wing leadership and invited guests to motivate and familiarize the key workers with the campaign. 

In conjunction with the CFC, those interested in volunteering their time locally can participate in "A Day of Caring." Volunteers will assist elderly citizens in the local area with projects such as mowing, raking, cleaning windows and clearing gutters, said Jacque Stingley, customer relations coordinator at the Great Falls main post office. 

Ms. Stingley said she created the volunteer event in Great Falls to raise awareness of the CFC and show people there are a lot of ways to give to the community. 

"In 2000, we had about 10 volunteers and last year we had about 100," Ms. Stingley said. "I really appreciate the Malmstrom volunteers because without them we wouldn't be able to do it." 

"The 'Day of Caring' makes the CFC come full circle," Lieutenant Wyatt said. "It gives people a chance to not only donate their money, but to volunteer their time as well." 

"The goal is raised by $2,500 each year and this year's goal is $97,500," Lieutenant Wyatt said. 

Donations can be made by cash, check or by payroll deduction. 

People interested in volunteering for "A Day of Caring" can contact the key worker in their squadron. 

For more information about the CFC, go to www.opm.gov/cfc/