iCan make a difference

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Louis Desomma
  • 509th Medical Operations Squadron
WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. --  This year's Combined Federal Campaign theme is iCan. iCan? Yes, you can! 

How can you make a difference in the world? Many of you have asked this question. Today, you can answer it. It's a simple way to give back to a nation and world that is in dire need of help. From debilitating diseases to global poverty, you can make a life changing contribution through this year's CFC. 

The campaign will start on Sept. 30 and run through Nov. 12. An official kick-off event will occur during Boss and Buddy Night at the Mission's End Club Sept. 30. Anyone donating that evening will receive coupons for free chicken wings that night. 

The CFC is an annual avenue federal employees can use to donate to multiple charity organizations around the globe. The CFC is the world's largest and most successful workplace fundraising model and raised over $272 million in 2008 for thousands of local, national and international charitable agencies. 

Here we helped make it a record year for the program and plan to do the same this year. Traditionally, Whiteman is one of the largest organizational contributors in the Kansas City area. Last year, the base populace donated more than $104,000 to the metro area's campaign. This year, Team Whiteman's goal is $111,000. 

Our nation is experiencing some tough economic times. However, this is when charities need us the most and Team Whiteman can make a huge difference. For instance, if every federal employee on base gives $5 a month, Whiteman can triple its goal for the year. That's right, as little as $60 a year from every federal employee would bring in more than $300,000. 

A $5 a month contribution equates to about one value meal a month at a local drive through restaurant. Let's pass on one meal out on the town and put it towards a worthy cause. 

CFC donations can be designated to national and global charitable agencies that provide meals for hungry children, cures for diseases, comfort for the dying, environmental protection, counseling and more. In addition, local charities are available right here at Whiteman; they include Whiteman Youth Programs and Friends of the Family Support Center. Our local base charities give 100 percent of their donations back to the Whiteman community and directly benefit our family, friends and co-workers. 

Contributions can be processed by cash, check or payroll deduction. Most contributors prefer payroll deductions. This method allows members to budget and distribute their donation over the course of a year. Payroll deductions for this year's campaign are taken out from Jan. 1 until Dec. 31, 2010. 

For more information on the CFC, please visit http://heartlandcfc.org/index.htm. A CFC representative will be in contact with you soon. Remember, together...you, we, iCan make a difference!