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Dig a little deeper

  • Published
  • By Col. Gary Goldstone
  • 375th Airlift Wing commander
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. --  We don't often think about all the little things we do and how much they matter. When we do our part, things get done, goals are met and everyone reaps the benefits.

Nowhere else do our efforts create an impact than through the simple act of giving. It is in this spirit the Combined Federal Campaign offers Joint Total Force Scott the opportunity to make a world of difference.

The CFC is the gold-standard in charitable giving because it is planned, budgeted and audited. Only those organizations meeting strict guidelines can participate in the program. CFC reduces many of the administrative functions and costs of giving by listing approved organizations in a single resource guide and by using one source for funds collection and distribution, the Defense Finance and Accounting System.

In addition to simplifying the donation process, the CFC provides contributors a personalized, self-managed and streamlined approach to how, when and where monetary donations are spent.

There are more than 2,500 international, national, state and local charitable organizations in this year's CFC resource guide. From military-affiliated non-profit organizations to children causes, there is a CFC charity that matches everyone's personal interests.

Each charity provides a wide range of resources to support a host of opportunities. According to CFC charity EarthShare $1 per pay period can conserve one acre of a threatened ecosystem and $1 according to CFC charity UNICEF buys schoolbooks for two children in Somalia. These are just two of the many examples of how the 2,500-plus CFC charities use your contribution to make a global impact.

For those who are interested in donating, I encourage you to take the time to read the charitable organizations' descriptions in the CFC resource guide to determine which organization(s) should receive your donations. The CFC resource guide also lists the percentage of administrative costs spent by each organization to help you make an informed decision.

In 2006, JTF Scott raised $853,000 and in 2007, JTF Scott raised $846,000. Our goal remains 100 percent contact with all JTF Scott personnel.

Every contribution, no matter how large or small, makes an incredible difference. The hardest decision to make is how much and to which organization you will give.

I encourage every member of JTF Scott to thoughtfully consider participating in this year's CFC. Take pride in knowing that your support will make a world of difference.