FORT BELVOIR, Va. –
Almost $100,000 is needed for Defense Logistics Agency employees in the national capital region to reach their 2023 Combined Federal Campaign goal of $300,000.
Just 171 of 2,285 potential donors had contributed $200,956 through Jan. 5. The campaign ends Jan. 15.
“We just came out of the holiday season, a time when it’s more obvious that a lot of folks just don’t have the same level of resources we have as federal workers. By providing monetary donations or volunteering time through CFC, we can aid others who aren’t as fortunate – not just during the holidays, but all year long,” said Air Force Maj. Anwar Johnson, DLA’s CFC campaign manager.
DLA Energy leads donations with $51,982 from 33 givers followed by the Director’s Staff with $47,663 from 49 participants.
Johnson is optimistic that more employees will step up in the final week to make a positive difference in others’ lives. Although contribution totals were about the same last January when employees were up against the same goal of $300,000, they surpassed it by $17,000 in the closing days.
CFC is the world’s largest, most successful workplace charity campaign, according to the Office of Personnel Management. The current campaign gives federal employees over 4,600 local, national and international charities to choose from, with causes ranging from cancer to homelessness. Contributions are also tax deductible.
Employees can still donate Jan. 15 even though it's a federal holiday, but Johnson encourages everyone to complete their transaction by Friday before the long weekend. Those who don't already have an active account with CFC can use their Common Access Card and work computer to create an account before donating.
“It’s also important for people to use the zip code for DLA Headquarters instead of their home zip code, or their donation won’t be credited to the agency,” he added. The zip code is 22060.
Employees can donate by credit card or payroll deduction on a one-time or recurring basis at GiveCFC.org, the CFC Giving Mobile App on their cell phone or by texting “DONATE” to 978-487-5678. All options are secure and allow users to search for specific charities or view a list of organizations that support distinct categories by location.
Charity fairs at the McNamara Headquarters Complex have helped employees learn how nonprofit organizations improve people's - and pets' - lives. The Warrior K9 Foundation, which transitions military working dogs and law enforcement dogs into retirement by providing rehabilitation and pairing them with loving homes and individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder, brought one of its canines to the HQC.
“Toward the end of our event, an employee was walking around with a working dog that happened to be from the same foundation,” said Air Force Capt. Angel Guereca, DLA’s CFC deputy campaign manager. “That helped us see the direct impact of CFC charities helping service members and government workers.”
Guereca also coordinated a project through Seed Programs International in which about 30 employees worked off-duty to help package vegetable seeds that will provide nutrition to individuals and families globally. According to SPI’s website, 1 in 4 people are food insecure.
“After we finalize our project, we’ll get the chance to follow where the seeds go,” Johnson said.
The final CFC event is noon to 1 p.m. Jan. 8 and will emulate Family Feud but with a focus on promoting global health and research. DLA Energy is hosting the virtual event. It will include two local charities as guest speakers during game breaks.