LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. –
The 633rd Air Base Wing and Air Combat Command headquarters kicked of the 2012 Combined Federal Campaign donation period with a 5k fun-run at the ACC running trail, Sept. 25, at Langley Air Force Base, Va.
The run was free to participate and is solely intended to help raise awareness of the upcoming campaign.
"Most people don't give because of a lack of awareness," said Master Sgt. Tellas Johnson, 633rd Civil Engineer Squadron superintendent of heavy repair, and 633rd Air Base Wing CFC project manager. "Our main goal is to raise recognition of the great things that can be done through the CFC."
September 1 marked the beginning of the annual CFC donation period that will continue through Dec. 15. The Langley campaign started Sept. 24 and will run through Nov. 5, and the Fort Eustis campaign will begin Oct. 1 and run through Nov. 12.
In 1956, President Dwight D. Eisenhower formally tasked the U.S. Office of Personnel Management with the responsibility for the development of a uniform policy for fundraising within the federal service. The CFC was officially founded in 1961 when President John F. Kennedy signed an executive order authorizing the U.S. Civil Service Commission to develop guidelines to regulate fundraising for federal employees.
Today, the campaign is the largest workplace charity campaign in the United States. Each year, more than 350 CFC campaigns throughout the world help raise millions of dollars, and continue to be the largest and most successful workplace fundraising model in the world.
"The CFC provides an easy avenue for federal employees to donate," said Senior Master Sgt. Parker, Air Combat Command superintendent of stranded aircraft support team, and ACC CFC project manager. "It is a one-stop-shop for hundreds of charities."
The CFC strives to ensure that the donation process is simple and versatile. Federal donors can make a one-time payment with cash or check, or have money donated directly from their paycheck in any ongoing increments of their choosing.
"The purpose of the CFC isn't to burden donors," said Parker. "It's to give federal employees a chance to donate to a cause of their choice without any commitment or pressure."
As well as providing easy and flexible means for federal employees to donate to the charities they hold close to their heart, the Office of Personnel Management ensures all approved charities are fully committed to those they help.
"The CFC has done all the homework," said Johnson. "All charities are vetted to ensure all donations are going to trustworthy organizations."
All CFC charities are reviewed annually for evidence that they are providing adequate services to their cause, and have full financial accountability. This is to ensure all donations find their way to those in need. The Office of Personnel Management has the authority to reject any organization that does not meet the required standards.
Last year, the 633rd ABW and the ACC headquarters raised more than $580,000 for roughly 4,000 charities worldwide, contributing greatly to the more than $1.83 million raised by federal employees in the Virginia Peninsula area.
Donors who pledge $150 of more will be awarded a CFC challenge coin and a Smartcard, which offers unlimited, year-round discounts from local businesses.
Although some may feel that small donations don't make a difference, it is important to remember that all donations go a long way.
"Every little bit helps," said Johnson. "Every Airman can make a difference."
The full, comprehensive list of all Joint Base Langley-Eustis CFC representatives scheduled to be released - check the JBLE website for further information.