CFC in full swing

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Katherine Grabham
  • 19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
The 2009 Combined Federal Campaign fundraising drive is in full swing at Little Rock Air Force Base. The drive kicked off Oct. 13 and continues through Nov. 20. The campaign's goal is to combine fund raising and donation solicitation into one event, allowing for one large drive rather than multiple, smaller drives throughout the year. 

Today, the CFC committee is hosting a bowling fundraiser at the base bowling center and a golf event at the Deer Run Golf Course. The proceeds from both events are being donated to the Little Rock AFB Youth Center through the CFC. 

There are three ways to donate this year: through payroll deduction, with cash or a personal check. Members can designate a charity four different ways: giving directly to a federation, directly to an agency, sharing their contribution among all international agencies or leaving the charity "undesignated." 

All federal employees are eligible to contribute. There is no pressure to donate, and all donations are tax-deductible for anyone who itemizes on their tax return. 

According to CFC officials, $1 a week can provide a one-month supply of nutritional supplements to help a patient fighting cancer, a set of special utensils and dinnerware for children with cerebral palsy or four night of emergency shelter for a homeless person.
Donations across Little Rock AFB have historically increased each year. In 1996, the average gift for anyone on base who donated was $76.30. In 2008, that number was $128.97. However, the number of "givers" decreased - along with the number of employees on base. In 1996, 2,033 people donated, while in 2008, the number of participants was 1,937. However, there were 1,500 less eligible employees as well. 

This year's Team Little Rock goal is 100 percent contact of the federal employees eligible to pledge, with a participation goal of more than 50 percent. The base is looking to raise $250,000 in during the CFC campaign. 

There are more than 5,280 employees on base who are eligible to donate in 2009. At a 50 percent participation rate, officials are hoping to see an average annual gift of $95 per participant. That amount would easily help the base reach its donation goal for the year. 

Each unit on base has at least one CFC representative. Each representative has the necessary forms and information to allow every member of Team Little Rock make an informed contribution. 

More information on the CFC is available through their website at www.opm.gov/CFC.