A positive impact on worthy causes

  • Published
  • By Jonathan Rejent
  • Nucleus Staff Writer
Kirtland Air Force Base --  The 2012 Combined Federal Campaign began Sept. 21 at Kirtland Air Force Base and runs through Nov. 14.

The 2012 campaign's theme -- "Give a little. Help a lot." -- emphasizes the effect contributions of any amount can have.

The campaign allows federal employees to give to non-profit charities on the local, national and international level.

"Working together, federal employees contributing through CFC can deliver emergency services, medical care, education, training, food and resources," said Sonja Brown, local federal coordinating committee chairperson. "We can provide hope for the future for many people."

For those who want their donations to go to work at Kirtland Air Force Base, there are two available organizations here -- the First Sergeants Council and the Airman and Family Readiness Center. There are also more than 100 charities in Albuquerque.

"All the money goes directly to the chosen donor's charity," said 2nd Lt. Danielle Duso, Kirtland AFB CFC representative.

Duso said Kirtland AFB's overall monetary goal is $435,000; $10,000 more in 2011.

"By the sixth week last year, we had surpassed our goal," said Master Sgt. Kyle Erb, Kirtland AFB CFC representative. "We hope to do as well or better this year, even with the heightened goal."

Duso said the goal includes making 100 percent contact with Team Kirtland members by Oct. 12.

"That's the halfway point -- that will show us what kind of progress we're making. We want to make sure everyone has the opportunity," Duso said. More than 50 unit representatives will meet face-to-face with Airmen to ensure the contact goal is reached.

"We encourage that if anyone has any questions regarding donations to the campaign, they talk to these representatives," Duso said.

Donors can refer to the CFC brochure, which gives a detailed rundown of the individual charities, including the percentage of funds will be used for administrative costs.

Contributors have the option of leaving their donations undesignated, in which case, the funds will be given to organizations on an as-needed or emergency basis. The minimum donation is $1 per month for payroll deduction.

For more information, visit http://www.opm.gov/cfc/.