Still time to ‘Show Some Love’ to CFC

The annual Combined Federal Campaign push at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base and other local federal entities officially and formally concludes Nov. 15. But donors can contribute until Jan. 12, 2020.

Contributions support thousands of local, regional, national and international charities.

The global theme for the third year in a row is “Show Some Love.” There isn’t anything that better states CFC’s strategy and focus, said Susy Himelhoch, director, Dayton District CFC.

Needs continue everywhere and recent weather-related tragedies have affected so many people, disrupting the lives of the old and young alike, families and emergency responders, she said. Many affected lack even the basic necessities – shelter, food and medicine, Himelhoch continued.

She pointed out that CFC-approved charities provide programs and services that also support veterans, active-duty military and their families, animal welfare, environmental concerns and fine and performing arts organizations.

“It is important that the communities where we live and work have the support needed to maintain, improve and often restore their vitality – for all,” she said.

Himelhoch highlighted the concept of “Giving Tuesday,” a global day of giving celebrated the Tuesday following Thanksgiving, Black Friday and Cyber Monday. This year’s Giving Tuesday falls on Dec. 3, which occurs while CFC still is in full swing. Its details may be found at https://www.givingtuesday.org.

“There is always a need for donations that support charitable causes,” said CFC chair Joe Nalepka, director of Management Operations, 711th Human Performance Wing, Air Force Research Laboratory. “The tragedies and challenges that occur in our nation put a spotlight on those needs and how important it is for people to consider donations to organizations that help reduce the impacts and provide much-needed assistance to people affected by negative events.

“As a community, it is important we look out for and help one another,” he continued. “A simple act of giving, whether it be of our time and/or our money, has a way of making someone feel good about themselves and for a moment, forget about the concerns in their own lives. As an Air Force organization, we speak about being a good wingman. This concept applies both inside and outside of the Wright-Patterson AFB fence. Donating our time, talents and treasure is a way of exemplifying the wingman concept outside the fence.”

“Some folks may require 100% of their paycheck,” said CFC vice-chair Jacque Fisher, deputy director of the Sensors Division, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Directorate, Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, “but we all have the gift of time. I would encourage each employee to reflect on what is important to them in life and contribute some time toward a charity that speaks to their passion. It’s not too late to share with those less fortunate than yourself.”

Donors may pledge money and/or volunteer hours with ease electronically or by using paper pledge forms, which can be downloaded by visiting Ohio CFC’s website: www.ohiocfc.org. Pledges can be fulfilled by payroll deduction through 2020 pay, as well as by credit and debit card giving, and personal check. Charities also may be researched through this site, regardless if one is contributing.

This year’s loaned executives have been Jeff Leonard, a systems safety engineer, Materials and Manufacturing Directorate, Air Force Research Laboratory; and Victoria Russell, a contract specialist in the Mobility Directorate, Air Force Life Cycle Management Center. They will remain working until Nov. 22.

To contact Himelhoch or CFC loaned executives Leonard and Russell, call 937-257-0292.

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