Combined Federal Campaign wrap up

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Madelyn Brown
  • 60th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  According to the official Combined Federal Campaign website, "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."

When our CFC key workers and representatives hand over the catalogue of charities to which federal employees may donate, the selection can become overwhelming.

Unless going into the campaign with a previously developed passion for a foundation, more than 3,000 different foundations to sift through can be crippling. I knew I wanted to donate, but I couldn't figure out which one to focus on. With everything from endangered tree frogs to feeding the hungry, and because no foundation should be trivialized, to rank one as more important or deserving felt wrong.

This discomfort led to my decision to think on it longer, which led to subconscious procrastination and eventually my yellow CFC catalogue was buried under a stack of to-do lists and work tasks.

This week I finally faced it. I selected one foundation personal to me and one I stumbled upon that I found interesting and different.

For those still trying to figure out which organization to donate to, there are local agencies that directly support Travis including: Travis United Service Organization, the Fisher House and the Travis Youth Center.

In recent events, Hurricane Sandy has left many residents of the East Coast in devastation and in need of support. Nonprofit organizations are listed in the CFC catalogue to help these people receive hot meals, temporary shelter and psychological support.

The beauty of CFC is the various and effective ways donors can customize how and where their money goes to a charity. On one CFC form, a donor may select up to five charities, or focus on one. Donors may also distribute a set amount of money evenly or distributed among multiple foundations.

A one-time option of donating is available, and for those tech-savvy federal employees donations can be made from a smart phone using the CFC Norcal QR code, found under the CFC tab on the Sharepoint.

After finally making up my mind and sticking to it, I realized no matter which foundation or how much, everyone who donates is contributing to a greater good.

Last year the Travis family pulled together and donated $326,919. This year our CFC goal is $335,000. Up to date donation numbers can be found on the Sharepoint under the CFC tab.

The 2012 campaign will come to an end Tuesday for Travis, but it's not too late. This is the final opportunity for the year to turn in donations and make an impact on your preferred foundation. To contact your group or squadron POC for a pledge form online.