CFC kicks off, sets goal of $315,000

  • Published
  • By Sarah Olaciregui
  • 66th Air Base Group Public Affairs
HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. --  The Combined Federal Campaign began Oct. 5 with a kick-off event at the Minuteman Commons and a goal of raising $315,000. The campaign will continue until Nov. 16.

This year also marks the 50th anniversary of the campaign. CFC began in the early 1960s to coordinate the fundraising efforts of various charitable organizations so that the federal donor would only be solicited once in the workplace and have the opportunity to make charitable contributions through payroll deduction.

"On March 18, 1961, John F. Kennedy signed Executive Order 10927 that would create the Combined Federal Campaign," states the Combined Federal Campaign of Eastern Massachusetts' website. "In the 50 years that followed, thanks to the generosity of federal employees, the CFC has raised almost $7 billion for charitable organizations."

CFC is made up of local campaigns throughout the country. Hanscom is part of CFC of Eastern Massachusetts, which includes other federal organizations such as the National Park Service, FBI, U.S. Postal Service and many more.

Last year Hanscom CFC surpassed its goal of $245,000 by raising more than $314,000. This year, the stakes have been raised, but Hanscom's CFC manager, 1st Lt. Jessica Zencey is positive the goal can be reached.

"Military members know what it means to serve our communities," she said. "CFC is just another way we can all contribute."

Federal employees have a variety of options for giving. They may choose to deduct a certain amount from each paycheck or they may give a one-time donation. If employees choose a payroll deduction, they may do so by either filling out a pledge card or visiting the CFC of Eastern Massachusetts website. Once on the site, federal employees may click on "Pledge Now," then follow the instructions.

For those that choose to contribute a one-time donation, they may do so by filling out a pledge card.

"We as military members are often the recipients of the community reaching out to us," said Col. Stacy L. Yike, 66th Air Base Group commander, during the CFC kick-off event. "CFC is our opportunity to give back to the local area."

The commander also reminded younger Airmen in attendance about the impact of CFC.

"We know what it means to be a part of something bigger than ourselves," she said. "It's something we do every day, and CFC gives us another opportunity to give back to our hometown, the local area we now live in or even to national organizations."

Unit CFC representatives are in the process of passing out pledge cards and charity catalogs. There are thousands of CFC approved charities listed that range from local food pantries to international organizations. Employees may also visit the CFC of Eastern Massachusetts website to download a searchable charities list.

"Just like last year, household budgets are tight," said Lieutenant Zencey, "but we want to make sure everyone has a chance to give."

For further information about the Combined Federal Campaign of Eastern Massachusetts, visit www.easternmasscfc.org.