CFC kicks off annual fund drive

It is held each year to help residents of Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia, our nation and people in need around the world. Last year, more than 170 local agencies benefited from the drive, enabling them to provide critical services within our community.

Each agency that qualifies for CFC must meet strict eligibility standards. Those who donate to these agencies, may direct their contribution to one or more of the eligible national or international charities or any of the local charities within our community. The choice belongs to the participant.

''When you are inclined to donate to a charitable organization, the best way to do it is through CFC because it's relatively easy. You can do it by payroll deduction and have documentation so it can be used as tax deduction. You also have the assurance that it's going to go to the right place and how much of it is administrative overhead,'' stated NAS Jackson-ville Commanding Officer Capt. Chip Dobson.

Peter Bayley of the Jacksonville Humane Society, and a furry friend, were on hand at th`e kickoff celebration to educate contributors and coordinators of Combined Federal Campaign about his organization.

The goal set for NAS Jacksonville this year is $655,000. ''We have approximately 86 tenant commands here on base and each command is supplying one to two individuals as coordinators. Our goal is to ensure 100 percent contact and strive to beat the goal that was set $20,000 higher than last year. Hopefully we can achieve it,'' said NAS Jacksonville CFC Coordin-ator CWO3 Ray Peterson.

The CFC was established by the federal government in 1961. Under the authority of the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, more than 366 regional CFC programs are operated throughout the United States and on overseas military bases. The CFC of Northeast Florida/Southeast Georgia is comprised of 19 counties with nearly 47,150 federal employees and military members.

Each year, commands and departments will appoint a keyperson who is responsible for their individual unit's drive. They are responsible for contacting each member within the unit to inform them of the CFC and how their donation can help. There are several different ways that individuals can donate. A cash contribution can be accepted up front or they may pledge a specific amount which will be withheld regularly from their pay beginning in January and continuing through next December.