This year’s Combined Federal Campaign began Oct. 3 at the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing, and will continue until Dec. 2.

The CFC, created through efforts within the Eisenhower administration to establish standards and coordination on federal workplace solicitations, was first conducted in 1964. It allows federal employees to donate to over 2,600 different national and international charities, ranging from small community organizations to some of the largest and most well-known.

Those who choose to participate are able to donate to the charity, or charities, of their choice. There are representatives in every unit here that can provide information and catalogues detailing what charities are available.

Col. Jeffrey Engelker, 379th AEW vice commander, explained the benefits of the CFC to unit leadership at the CFC Kickoff event held Oct. 6.

“The CFC makes it extremely easy to donate to important causes,” explained Engelker. “Before, it could be challenging to find charities to donate to, but the CFC makes it simple, and connects the desire to help others with the ability to do it.”

According to local CFC representatives, donating is easier than ever. Interested members can go to https://cfcoverseas.org/ and make their donations online.

Alternatively, members can find the CFC key workers or representatives within their respective unit. These representatives can provide a pledge card to fill out. Members can also donate through the payroll deduction method, which allows them to specify a certain amount to be withheld from their payroll each month from January to December.