CFC campaign to kick off Oct. 1

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Jeff Loftin
  • 18th Wing Public Affairs
KADENA AIR BASE, Japan --  Last year Kadena Shoguns gave $457,000 to charities under the Combined Federal Campaign. Officials hope to raise even more in this year's campaign, which starts Oct. 1. 

"Our goals are $475,000 for the whole wing, and that includes DoDDS schools on Kadena," said Capt. Vanessa Bartley, wing CFC project officer. "That gives us a three to four percent increase over last year for our monetary goal. We're also looking at approximately a five percent increase in our participation goal from 37 percent last year to 42 percent this year." 

The Combined Federal Campaign, established in 1961 by President John F. Kennedy, provides a single drive for government employees to raise money for many charities. This year participants can choose from 2,045 charities providing assistance in a multitude of ways. 

"Last year, Pacific Department of Defense and civilian personnel contributed more than $5.9 million dollars to many worthy causes," said Chief Master Sgt. Anthony Bishop, Pacific Air Forces command chief master sergeant. "Your kindness touched others during their time in need." 

"I think its one of the big ways the military can give back," said Captain Bartley. "CFC is an opportunity for all military members to give to a number of charities. The charities are not relegated to the United States. You can go in there and search for Okinawa and there are Okinawan charities. We're not just supporting ourselves, but we're sending that money everywhere, including the communities where we're stationed overseas." 

One option participants can give to is the Family Support Youth Program. Money donated to the FSYP comes back to Kadena to use for various programs. Last year Kadena received $22,600 from FSYP. The base used the money to purchase billiard and air hockey tables for the youth center, tables for the teen center, to put on the Kids Understanding Deployment Operations program, and for the Spouse Orientation Program. Units conducting fundraisers during the CFC campaign must donate 10 percent of their profits to the FSYP. 

"During this year's Combined Federal Campaign, we ask you to consider supporting the various charities that are doing great work for our Nation," said Gen. Paul V. Hester, PACAF commander. "You can make the world a better place ... one person at a time."
More than 100 participants from every organization on base will be available to assist participants in donating to the CFC. Participants can have the money come straight out of their pay as an allotment or donate cash. Unit volunteers will be contacting base members during the campaign, which runs through Nov. 30. 

"Every dollar counts," said Captain Bartley. "It doesn't take much to make a big difference. Eleven cents can buy de-worming medicine for a child in need. So, $1.10 can cover 10 children. You don't have to give a lot to be able to give. You can give as little as a dollar. Every little bit helps and it makes a difference somewhere."