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Tis the season for giving at JB MDL

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Dennis L. Sloan
  • Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Public Affairs
JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. --  The Combined Federal Campaign kicked off Oct. 3 at Tommy B's Community Activities Center marking the 50th anniversary of the employee-focused campaign.

Col. John Wood, Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst and 87th Air Base Wing commander, gave the opening remarks at the CFC kick off.

The commander explained how people are constantly reminded of how fortunate they are to have a stable job in today's economy. This base alone is the second-largest employer in the state of New Jersey. Thus, its residents can play a huge role in helping the surrounding communities by donating to the CFC.

According to the organization's website, CFC's mission is to promote and support philanthropy through a program which is employee focused, cost-efficient and effective in providing all federal employees the opportunity to improve the quality of life for all.

"CFC is the one-stop shop for government employees to donate to charities," said Lt. Col. Justin Niederer, JB MDL CFC lead and 819th Global Support Squadron director of operations.

Contributors have several choices when determining how they want to donate. Choices include: donating to a specific charity; spreading donations out among several charities; or contributors can donate money directly to the CFC organization from which it will be spread across several charities.

"With more than 2,500 approved charities in this year's south Jersey CFC campaign to choose from, community members should find something that speaks to them," said Valerie B. Scott, South Jersey Combined Federal Campaign manager.

A volunteer from each unit takes on the duty of being a CFC representative. The volunteers contact each member of his or her unit to inform them of what the CFC is.

The representatives carry pledge cards and a book of all the approved charities a person may donate to. The goal of the representatives is to inform 100 percent of personnel of the overall impact and importance of donating to the CFC.

This year's goal of $375,000 will be posted on a board at Pudgy's Circle. Each week the board will be updated to show the increase in donations. The joint-base community exceeded the 2010 goal of $360,000 dollars by raising $393,000.

Niederer feels the JB MDL community is capable of surpassing this year's goal.

"I feel it is important to give to those who are in need," said Niederer. "I've been very fortunate in my life and would like to give back to those who may not have had the same opportunities as I've had."

The CFC accepts donations in the form of cash, check, direct deposit or automatic withdrawal from a pay check. The campaign will run until Dec. 1. Call Lt. Col. Justin Niederer, JB MDL CFC lead, at 754-5949 for more information on how to submit donations or to get a list of unit representatives.