CFC sets Oct. 3 kickoff

  • Published
  • By Mark Wyatt
  • 66th Air Base Group Public Affairs
HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. --  The Combined Federal Campaign is scheduled to begin Oct. 3 at 11 a.m. with a kickoff event at the Minuteman Commons. The campaign will continue through Nov. 15.

CFC began in the 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 a charitable contribution through payroll deduction.

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

Organizers set as a goal 25 percent of personnel donating to this year's campaign. Last year Hanscom CFC raised more than $283,000. Although the campaign will focus more on participation this year, rather than a monetary goal, officials do hope to exceed $256,000.

"There are many people and charities in even more need than usual this year," said Davis. "CFC is an excellent way to contribute to those organizations and help others who may have been more adversely affected by budget cuts and economic uncertainty."

During a CFC kickoff event at the Pentagon, Deputy Defense Secretary Ash Carter acknowledged the difficulty of asking DOD employees for contributions in the wake of recent furlough and sequestration woes.

"It's an American tradition to give. ... It's an area where we stand out," Carter said. "You have an opportunity here personally, as well as professionally, to reflect your values of service, sacrifice and duty to others."

The campaign includes a new feature for donors this year: an online pledge option available through the Defense Finance and Accounting Service's MyPay website, which most servicemembers and civilians already use to view their leave and earnings statements.

"Donating online through MyPay is really easy, it eliminates paper and is going to save time for employees," said Davis.

A link for "Combined Federal Campaign" has been added under "Pay Changes" on the first page of MyPay. Donors will simply need to enter the Eastern Massachusetts campaign code of 0427 and then select their donation amount and charities. Those that choose to contribute a one-time donation will still need to do so by filling out a pledge card.

In addition to the MyPay option, federal employees have a variety of other options for giving. They may choose to deduct a certain amount from each paycheck or give a one-time donation. If employees choose a payroll deduction, they may do so by either filling out a pledge card or through MyPay.

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 or search for charities directly through MyPay during the donation process.

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