Help others by donating to CFC

It is human nature to want to help those who are less fortunate than us, and as Marines we protect and help those who cannot protect or help themselves.

“The Combined Federal Campaign is for all government employees and basically gives people the opportunity to donate to charities of their choice,” said Capt. Leslie Harkness, Marine Corps Air Station New River adjutant.

 “It has everything you could think of charity-wise, from animal shelters to cancer research, and it allows you to pick the charity you wish to donate to.”

The CFC season for the air station is from Sept. 9 through Dec. 13.

Each service member may not have been directly affected by one of these charities but might know someone who has, said Harkness.

“For example, if any Marine has ever lost a loved one to cancer, he could donate to a cancer research facility, or if a Marine has had any friends who were injured in a combat situation, he could donate to the Wounded Warrior Foundation,” said Harkness.

According to the U.S. Office of Personnel Management website, the CFC is the largest and most successful annual workplace charity campaign raising millions of dollars each year.

Money raised through CFC supports eligible non-profit organizations that provide health and human service benefits throughout the world.

The program has brochures containing thousands of charities listed in different categories, depending on what kind of service they provide. Marines can use the brochure to figure out the cause they would like to pledge their money to.

Every unit will have an assigned CFC representative who will brief their Marines about how to donate using the program, said Harkness.

All Marines in each unit will be briefed on the different donation opportunities, ensuring everyone will have the knowledge of how to go about donating to the many qualified charities.

Donations can be made by cash, check or paycheck allotments, said Harkness.