Combined Federal Campaign begins at 14th FTW

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Richard Savannah
  • 14th Communications Squadron
COLUMBUS AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. --  The 14th Flying Training Wing kicked off its 2014 Combined Federal Campaign with a luncheon at the Columbus Club Sept. 30.

The CFC takes place at Columbus Air Force Base Oct. 1-31.

The mission of the CFC is to promote and support philanthropy through a program that is employee-focused, cost-efficient, and effective in providing all federal employees the opportunity to improve the quality of life for all. Since 1961, the CFC has provided a consolidated fund raising effort for federal agencies to give to over 20,000 charities worldwide. 

"This year's campaign theme of 'From Mississippi with Love' truly represents the spirit of the CFC and further bridges the gap between CAFB and the local community," said Capt. Fredrik Poole, 14th FTW CFC project officer. 

Local CFC charity representatives attended the kickoff luncheon here to explain how donations help their charity's mission. 

"Without the generosity of federal contributions, we would not have raised $716,000 last year for charities and local communities," said Linda Steinhauser, Greater Mississippi Director of Combined Federal Campaign.

Each squadron or agency will have CFC keyworkers ready to accept donations. People donating can make contributions by cash, check, payroll deduction or online.

This year, the Greater Mississippi area is one of 85 local CFC regions that will also offer the option of donating through MyPay for military, DoD civilians and employees of certain other agencies, such as the Veterans Affairs and Health and Human Services departments.

A new Universal Giving policy also lets donors contribute to any participating CFC charity, regardless of geographic boundaries. Previously, donors could contribute to any national and international CFC-approved charities, but could give to local CFC-approved charities only within their geographic area.

The CFC goes to great lengths to ensure the generous donations are getting to the people who need it.  All charities are screened annually by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management. Additionally, the CFC provides the percentage of donations used for charity versus overhead costs in the catalogue. 

"I look forward to another outstanding Team BLAZE accomplishment as we continue to make a positive difference in the community around us," Poole said.
  
For more information regarding the CFC and its charities, visit cfctoday.org.

To make an online donation, visit https://www.cfcnexus.org/_southernmscfc/.

For specific local questions, Airmen can contact their unit keyworker, or Poole at 434-2802 or fredrik.poole@us.af.mil.