SJ kicks off 2014 Combined Federal Campaign

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Michael Charles
  • 4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs Office
SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. --  Airmen and federal employees assigned to Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina, now have the opportunity to support the charity of their choice through the 2014 Combined Federal Campaign.

The annual CFC kicks off Sept. 8 and runs through Oct. 20. During this six-week time frame, participants can contribute to one or more of the 20,000 non-profit organizations the CFC supports. These foundations range from helping underprivileged children learn to read to providing service dogs for disabled individuals.

"The charities you support through the CFC focus on people who really need help," said Senior Master Sgt. Scott Foy, 4th Equipment Maintenance Squadron lead superintendent and 2014 CFC installation project officer. "Since the campaign is completely donor driven, you make the decisions. You're able to funnel your contribution to the foundation of your choosing by directly supporting the charities that work on issues you care deeply about."

Since its establishment in 1961 by President John F. Kennedy, the CFC has collected nearly $7 billion in charitable contributions. It has since become recognized as the world's largest and most successful annual workplace charity campaign.

"The Combined Federal Campaign is a unique opportunity for Team Seymour members to personally choose the charities which they feel offer the most benefit to their service, communities and families," said Col. Mark Slocum, 4th Fighter Wing commander. "As military and government civilian members, it is our moral obligation to help improve the well-being of those around us. This campaign represents a chance to showcase to the world that we are committed to doing just that."

This year's goal for Seymour Johnson AFB is $180,000. However, Foy hopes to raise more than that during the campaign.

"The goal is just the minimum we're looking to raise during the entirety of the CFC," he said. "We hope to far exceed the campaign's expectations for the installation."

There are a number of ways to make donations through the CFC. Unit CFC representatives are available to assist individuals with their selection of a charity and completing the official form. They can also help members choose a method of payment that caters to their personal preferences, including donating over time through monthly payroll deductions or paying a lump sum through check, money order or allotment. There is no minimum or maximum amount people can donate. It's strictly up to the individual making the donation.

"The CFC belongs to you, the federal employee," Foy said. "It's a partnership between the employee and the charitable organizations that benefit all. What you contribute helps feed the hungry, shelter the homeless or make our neighborhoods safer."

For more information regarding the CFC, people should contact thier respective unit representative or visit www.opm.gov/cfc/.