CFC fundraising drive off to strong start for DLA Headquarters, DLA Energy

Fort Belvoir, Virginia – DLA organizations in the Washington, D.C., area are outpacing the rest of the Defense Department in the annual Combined Federal Campaign.

“We’re off to a great start,” said Kathy Rhem, the DLA Human Resources communications manager and this year’s CFC campaign manager for DLA Headquarters and DLA Energy. “Since our official kick-off on Oct. 3, we’ve reached more than 30 percent of our goal of $315,000.”

As of Oct. 31, the DoD average progress toward the goal was 24 percent, according to information provided by the Combined Federal Campaign of the National Capital Area.

Within DLA Headquarters, some organizations – the DLA Joint Reserve Force and DLA Strategic Plans and Policy – have already reached their dollar goals. Others are still in the single digits, percentagewise.

The easiest way to donate to one or more of the more than 20,000 charities that participate in CFC is through payroll deduction via the MyPay system using the unique seven-digit code for their organization, Rhem said.

The campaign also offers options for cash and credit card donations. Rhem urged anyone wishing to donate to contact their local CFC keyworker or visit the DLA HQ CFC page (common access card-enabled link) for specific details on how to do so.

DLA employees also have the opportunity to donate through organizational fundraisers. Each week, an email through the HQC Messenger system details upcoming fundraisers. Fundraisers are also listed on the website, which can be accessed via a button in the left menu of the main DLA Today page.

The CFC Core Team has planned two major events in the McNamara Headquarters Complex in November. Nov. 9 is Jersey Day in the HQC and satellite locations. For a suggested donation of $5, employees can wear a sports jersey to work that day. A charity fair is scheduled for Nov. 16 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the HQC Café. Representatives of about 20 charities will be available to provide information and answer questions about their organizations.

DLA Human Resources Director Brad Bunn, who is the vice chair of CFC in DLA Headquarters this year, said the charity fair is a wonderful opportunity for employees who aren’t sure what charity to support.

“Charity representatives will be able to explain directly how an employee’s donation will be used,” Bunn said. “Represented charities will run the gamut from military and early childhood education to animal adoption and medical advocacy.”

The charity fair Nov. 16 is also a great lead-up to “Giving Tuesday,” a nationwide awareness campaign every Thanksgiving week that encourages Americans to support a charity of their choice, Bunn said.

The solicitation period for the 2016 campaign closes Dec. 15.

Employees with questions about how to donate or any other aspect of the Combined Federal Campaign should speak to a designated CFC volunteer in their organization. A full list of CFC team captains and keyworkers is available on the CFC website (CAC-enabled link) for DLA employees in the national capital area.