McConnell kicks off charity campaign

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Jessica Lockoski
  • 22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. --  The McConnell goal sign has been dusted off and put in its position at the front of the base's main gate entrance. The red thermometer is set to zero as the base's Combined Federal Campaign kicked-off Sept. 26 and will run through Nov 7. McConnell CFC officials hope to once again reach a new goal, a five percent increase from last year's amount.

What sets the CFC aside from other national campaigns is that there are no politics involved. It is a campaign where people will not find the words anti-, and telemarketers will not reach themselves deep into its donors' pockets.

The CFC has a long tradition of helping others through the generosity of military members, their families and federal employees.

The campaign has been around more than 40 years, coordinating fundraising efforts for many charitable organizations. CFC can be a great opportunity for Team McConnell members to demonstrate their endless efforts to share a better quality of life with others and aid those less fortunate.

Last year, McConnell donors supplemented one-fourth of the CFC donations brought in to the regional area.

"This is a great way to give back to the community," said Capt. Melissa Alblinger, 22nd Mission Support Group, who leads this year's McConnell CFC. "You can choose where you would like to have your money go, whether it's given to large or small organizations."
As a part of almost 18,000 non-profit organizations listed in the CFC booklet, 80 of those organizations apply to the local South Central Kansas area. This year, McConnell's Youth Center has been added under local organizations.

"There are a lot of non-profit organizations that don't have the opportunity to advertise their cause due to low overhead," said Captain Alblinger, but with the booklet, you can look through and find these organizations that may not have the means to reach out to people directly.

The CFC booklet contains organizations that may seek the interests of every donor.
Whether participant's goals are to honor military veterans, support medical research, community improvements and educational institutions, supporters can make their charitable donations through military payroll deductions or by cash/check.

People who wish to donate can contact their squadron key worker who can provide them with the campaign booklet and pledge cards. Other team McConnell members who would like to receive more information on the CFC and/or wish to make donations, call Captain Alblinger at 759-6417.