CFC drive begins Oct. 1 Published Sept. 28, 2007 By Staff Sgt. Tammie Moore 52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany -- The Combined Federal Campaign kicks off Oct. 1 providing members of the Spangdahlem Air Base community the chance to conveniently donate to numerous charities. "The CFC was established by President John F. Kennedy for all federal employees," said Capt. Holly Kinsey, wing CFC project officer. "The reason for establishing the CFC was to provide one campaign that consolidated fundraising efforts. As of right now, there are more than 1,900 organizations that members can donate to through the CFC." The CFC program requires participating charities to meet established standards and pass annual reviews. "Charities that apply to receive funds through the CFC are required to submit an extensive review of their financial and governant practices prior to acceptance," according to the CFC Web site. "This eligibility review has helped set standards for participation in giving initiatives that transcend the community." These organizations range from charities that benefit veterans to those that provide scholarships for high school students. "Contributions are very simple," Captain Kinsey said. "Members can fill out the payroll forms and have automatic deductions take every month or they can do a one time donation with a check or cash. A new way of donating this year is on-line credit card payments. The member can do a one-time donation on-line and have their credit card charged, or they can do a monthly donation and their credit card will be charged every month." German employees are not able to donate via payroll deductions, however they are able to make on-line credit card or cash donations. Unit CFC representatives will begin contacting personnel in their units by mid-October. Those servicemembers and employees who select to have payroll deductions will begin seeing these deductions in January. "Last year, the Spangdahlem Family Support and Youth Programs received more than $15,000 through the CFC," Captian Kinsey said. "This is money that goes directly back into the community." For more information about the CFC, contact a unit representative or visit http://www.opm.gov/cfc/.