News

Kick off the season of giving with CFC

  • Published
  • 55th Wing Public Affairs

It’s officially time to 'Show Some Love' for the 2017 Combined Federal Campaign.

While surviving endless lines to get the Black Friday deal of a lifetime, just remember there is a gift this time of year that can make more of an impact on a bigger scale.

This impact has the potential to affect generations beyond the wrapping paper of a single Christmas season and could end up being the catalyst of change for someone’s life you don’t even know.

Since the campaign's inception in 1961, federal employees have donated more than $8.2 billion through the CFC. Pledges made by federal civilian, postal and military donors during the campaign season support eligible nonprofit organizations that provide health and human service benefits throughout the world.

Team Offutt has set a goal to make contact with 100 percent of personnel so they have an opportunity to contribute.

“The CFC is about helping people, not just raising money for a charity,” said 2nd Lt. Arthur Markosov, 55th Comptroller Squadron financial services officer and 55th Wing CFC campaign manager.  “When we collectively encourage others to give, we’re helping people in our local community, our great nation, and the world.“

The campaign was established by President John F. Kennedy’s Executive Order in 1961 and is the world’s largest and most successful annual workplace charity campaign.

“Together, our contributions make a significant impact on a range of causes,” Markosov said.  “I support organizations and programs that provide physical fitness opportunities to children and disabled veterans.”

“Whether you donate money or volunteer your time to a charity, each gift is valuable,” he added

Each unit's designated CFC representative will be available to provide a CFC guide that includes a list of eligible charities, information about the charity and a pledge form.

If you have donated in the past or are new to the CFC, visit https://cfcgiving.opm.gov/ to get started.

CFC is the only authorized solicitation of employees in the federal workplace on behalf of non-profit organizations. Federal employees can designate contributions to thousands of local, national and international agencies.

Assisting those in need locally and around the world is ultimately a personal choice.  Some express concerns about how much of their contribution actually help someone in need and how much the charity uses for administrative costs. The CFC has made it easy for you to view the administrative costs for donations and even use it as part of your search function as you look for the charity that best represents your interests.

“Your contributions add up to make a significant difference at local, national, and international levels,” Markosov said. “Are you ready to make a difference?”

The CFC is set to run from now until Jan. 12, 2018. Payroll deduction can be used to fund recurring donations from your salary. Donors can use credit card and ACH can fund one-time and recurring donations.

Donors can also pledge volunteer hours when completing their pledge. The charity listing, both in print and electronic formats, identifies charities that are participating in soliciting volunteer time from Federal employees. Donors can search the charities that offer volunteer opportunities and indicate the number of hours they would like to pledge to the charities of their choice. Visit CFC Donor Pledge System at https://opm.gov/ShowSomeLoveCFC to search for charities that offer volunteer opportunities and pledge time.