JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska -- This year’s Combined Federal Campaign, which kicked off Oct. 16, is themed “Show Some Love,” but for many involved in the campaign, it’s more about giving a helping hand.
“I often talk to my wife and ask how we can help. I think about the hurricanes and all the other things going on in the world,” said Donald Weckhorst, 673d Air Base Wing executive director in a speech to CFC key workers. I look at the CFC magazine and think about personal stories; and everyone has a personal story. There is a lot going on in the world today, here in Anchorage and even in your families – CFC offers us the ability to give back and help people.”
This year, though cash is no longer accepted as a donation option, arctic warriors, their families and retirees can provide a helping hand - donating by payroll deduction, credit card, check, or this year, even volunteering hours. The funds or hours, will help someone in need, like Jennifer Howard, a CFC Outreach Coordinator, who lost her father and mother within a six-month period.
“Need happens. It doesn’t know age, race, location or service. Need happens and charities give us someone to lean on,” said Howard. “The Combined Federal Campaign gives people an opportunity to leave the world better than they found it.”
By donating via the CFC, arctic warriors can fill this need through vetted nonprofits with one-time donations, or small payroll deductions that add up over time.
“In many ways, charitable contributions is the best way for many of these organizations to get the support they need in order to help and benefit their respective causes,” said Air Force Master Sgt. Jerde Quattlebaum, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson CFC coordinator. “Many people might feel uncomfortable donating to causes because it is often difficult to be sure your contribution will make it into the right hands. This year's campaign structure has been built in such a way that 100 percent of each donation goes directly to the charities involved.”
That is because this year participants must pick a charity for their donation to benefit. Though checks will be made out to CFC, a charity code must be entered on the donation form or the web site.
“Times are hard around the world and our military is no stranger to difficult times. I was stationed in Japan in 2011 when an earthquake caused a 30-foot tsunami to crash into Sendai, pinching supply lines, and setting off explosions at a nearby power plant,” Quattlebaum said. “It was a scary time but organizations were there providing support to not only the Japanese communities but also the military. Dollars donated, through campaigns like the CFC, provided food, water, and supplies to survivors.”
For more information, or to donate to the CFC, go to www.opm.gov/ShowSomeLoveCFC or see your unit representative.