Misawa kicks-off Combined Federal Campaign

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Rachel Martinez
  • 35th Fighter Wing public affairs
MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan --  The annual Combined Federal Campaign at Misawa kicks off at noon Oct. 1 in the Base Exchange lobby and will run until Nov. 30. 

The CFC began in the early 1960s and is the only authorized solicitation of federal employees in the workplace on behalf of charitable organizations. Millions of dollars are raised each year by the more than 300 CFC campaigns held internationally. The donations support eligible non-profit organizations that provide health and human service benefits around the world. 

The campaign includes hundreds of national and international organizations people may choose to donate to. The overseas program does not include any local organizations, other than Family Support and Youth Programs. 

"The FYSP is a way for servicemembers stationed overseas to give back to the area in which they live and work. There are no admin costs, all the money donated goes directly to Misawa," said Master Sgt. Sharon Knudson, 35th Fighter Wing CFC point of contact. "In the past we had a girl benefit from this program. She was living stateside and diagnosed with cancer. Her wish was to come back to Misawa and graduate with her high school class. The money that went to FYSP helped pay for her to return, go to prom and graduate with her class here." 

Last year, Misawa raised $193,885. While no monetary goal has been set for this year, there is a goal of 100 percent contact of Misawa personnel. 

Each unit has a designated CFC representative who will pass out contribution forms and guide books listing all the organizations you can donate to. Look for your unit representative in the days ahead.