CFC takes off at Luke

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Marcy Copeland
  • 56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  The Combined Federal Campaign kicked off October 1, 2015 at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona to give federal employees an opportunity to donate to approved charitable organizations.

The CFC was created in 1961 as a way to annually solicit donations in the workplace and for those contributions to be payable through payroll deductions.

"The CFC has all kinds of charities that you can donate too," said Maj. David Barns, 56th Fighter Wing chapel chaplain. "Rather than having individual charities knocking at the door of government agencies, they are routed through the CFC program. They have to complete a lot of paperwork in order to be approved by the organization and then through the CFC, Federal employees can donate to those charities.

With more than 22,000 charities to choose from, a person can donate to a wide range of organizations.

"There is a little bit of something for everyone," said Barns. "From animal rescue to cancer research, foster children, mission outreach in Africa, religious and non-religious charities... it's just a great way to be able to give."

Every squadron will have a representative or two with a goal of 100 percent meaningful contact with every section on base with a 25 percent participation rate for a total goal of $150,000 to be raised by the end of the campaign on November 13th.

"The CFC is our chance to give back as Airmen," said Col. David Shoemaker, 56th Fighter Wing vice commander. "We can give back in the way we choose. Being able to pick your own charity allows you to give back to the community while supporting something you believe in."

The CFC Kick-off Fair will be during the Health Fair on October 2 beginning at 9 a.m. There will be three focus tables provided where different charities will come out and give information on their charities. The first will be at the Medical Group Clinic October 5th, beginning at 9:30 a.m. The second will be at The Exchange October 16th at 10 a.m. with the third to follow at the Commissary November 2nd at 10 a.m.

Throughout the six week campaign, there will be different sporting events the CFC will attend as an opportunity for people to donate. There are also CFC sporting tournaments such as corn hole, kickball and the unique opportunity to hit a 1st Shirt in the face with a pie.

Several more events are scheduled with dates to be determined. Please check back with later editions of the Thunderbolt or luke.af.mil for up to date information and campaign progress.