FORT BELVOIR, Va. –
Almost $48,000 are needed for Defense Logistics Agency employees in the national capital region to meet their Combined Federal Campaign goal of $300,000 by Jan. 15.
As of the morning of Jan. 10, about 10% of DLA employees in the NCR had pledged $252,481, putting the agency 84.2% toward the goal. Contributions included 236 volunteer hours valued at $4,124.
A virtual pledge-a-thon was held Jan. 6 to boost donations and included a charity panel, cute animal showcase, a game styled after Jeopardy, home scavenger hunt and more. The three-hour event was attended by DLA Joint Reserve Force Director Navy Rear Adm. Grafton Chase and DLA Senior Enlisted Leader Army Command Sgt. Maj. Tomeka O’Neal.
The event, one of several including weekly Tuesday Talks highlighting various causes, drew positive feedback from participants, said Jada Fairrow, DLA CFC campaign manager.
“So many people commented on how well-received and professionally done it was and that they’d learned a lot about charities they hadn’t known before,” she said. “I’m hoping it becomes an annual CFC event.”
Fairrow said she hoped the event would put employees over 90% toward the goal but it only raised donations by about 4%, a fact she partially attributes to the virtual work environment.
“I’m still hopeful that people will make their last-minute dash to the pledge button, especially right now with it being the final week,” she said. “I know people have a busy schedule and many of us start the season intending to give.”
Even if the agency doesn’t reach its goal, Fairrow said employees should feel good about the collective difference they’ve made for organizations that rely on donations to do good for others.
“I believe when you give, things are returned back to you. Give and it shall be given unto you. It’s one of the things that I feel really passionate about, and I commend everyone who gives no matter when or how,” she added.
Federal employees have raised over $8.5 billion for CFC since it began in 1961. Causes range from human rights and homelessness to education and endangered species.
Employees can donate by credit card or payroll deduction on a one-time or recurring basis at GiveCFC.org or the CFC Giving Mobile App on their cell phone. Both options are secure and allow users to search for specific charities or view a list of organizations that support specific categories by location. A hand icon appears next to charities needing volunteers.
For more information about donating or attending virtual CFC events, contact a keyworker in your directorate.