2010 CFC-O program begins Monday

by Staff Sgt. Patricia Deal
USAREUR Public Affairs

The 2010 Combined Federal Campaign-Overseas program kicks off Monday and runs through Dec. 3 in all five overseas combatant commands.

The CFC is the world’s largest charity campaign, impacting millions globally through the generous donations of military and government civilian personnel and their family members.

Secretary of Defense Robert Gates, CFC-O chair, said he welcomes more people to get involved in CFC-O.

“Your generous contributions are the backbone of a collective effort aimed at assisting communities across the nation and the globe,” Secretary Gates said.

CFC, the only authorized solicitation of federal employees in their workplaces, raises millions of dollars annually and features more than 2,300 charities. During last year’s campaign, U.S. Army in Europe Soldiers and civilian employees contributed approximately $2.4 million, with more than $97,000 designated for Family Support and Youth Programs. U.S. Air Forces in Europe members donated almost $2 million. The European Command totaled about $5.3 million.

An option unique for overseas donors, donations made to FSYP go directly to overseas military communities to help fund quality of life programs in local communities. One-hundred percent of donations made to FSYP come back directly to the installation where the contributor lives and works. The FSYP is just one option available to donors.

“Being able to have control over where their money will go is a definite benefit of the program,” said Kristy Soodavar, USAREUR CFC campaign manager. “Out of the 2,300 CFC charities, most people may find that at least one organization has affected them personally or they may know a person or family member who has benefited from it.”

Another advantage of CFC is the ease in making contributions to the program, Ms. Soodavar said.

The CFC-O offers contributors the opportunity to give using the traditional paper pledge card or through e-giving, a fully automated giving option.

Accessible online, the program allows contributors to give via credit or debit card or by e-check. User-friendly instructions guide contributors through the process. Visit www.cfcoverseas.org for more information, or see your organization’s CFC representative.