Time Running Out to Give to CFC

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Susan L. Davis
  • 319th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  This year's Combined Federal Campaign is underway, and the Warriors of the North are eagerly stepping up to help those in need.

First Lt. Antonio McCartney, 319th Contracting Flight, is a point of contact at the wing level for the CFC this year.

"We are pushing extra hard this year to give people at Grand Forks the opportunity to donate to their favorite charitable cause," he said. "Normally we would have some sort of CFC kick-off event like we've had in the past, but there wasn't enough time to do it this year because of the government shutdown. So now our goal is to simply make one hundred percent contact, preferably face-to-face, to let folks know how easy and how important it is to donate."

McCartney said donors can give as little as $1 per pay period to their favorite charity, and all donations are tax deductible.

Capt. Benedict Woit, 319th Air Base Wing Judge Advocate, volunteered to be the Wing Staff Agencies point of contact for the CFC this year, and highly encourages Grand Forks members to consider giving.

"The Federal government recognizes that charity is very important," he said. "Through the CFC, you can choose from a couple thousand approved charities for your favorite cause, or just donate to the general fund. It's quick, painless, and you can plainly see it on your bank statement."

At about the halfway point of the campaign, the wing has raised 50 percent of its $50,000 goal, thanks in great part to the 319th Contracting Flight, the 319th Force Support Squadron, and the 319th Civil Engineer Squadron, who have all met 100 percent or more of their fundraising goals. Only nine days into the campaign, the civil engineers were able to raise $5,179--105 percent of their goal.

"You know, we're taught that it is always better to give than to receive," said Tech. Sgt. Kevin Murphy, NCO in charge of the heating, ventilation and air conditioning section. "It was tough with the furloughs for a little bit, it gave us a late start for the campaign, but we're not letting that stop us. It always pays to give a little bit back, and we are still accepting more donations through the end of the campaign."

The campaign ends Nov. 22, 2013.