As the 2024 holiday season ends, the spirit of giving is still ongoing. There’s no better way to wrap up your year of charitable donations than to contribute to the Jacksonville District’s Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) drive.
For more than 60 years, members of the federal community have contributed through the CFC, and this year, the tradition continues through their ‘Give Happy’ campaign. As one of the world’s largest and most successful annual workplace charity campaigns, the CFC kicks off each fall enabling Federal employees and retirees the opportunity to raise funds for their favorite charitable cause.
“The 2024 campaign goal at the district is to ensure 100% of our employees are aware of the campaign,” said Lisa Clark, Chief, Business Management Branch and the District Combined Federal Campaign Manager. “Additionally, as far as a dollar amount, $15,000, which is $1,000 more than we did last year, is a fair goal for us to attain.”
Through the district’s CFC key workers, volunteers from the divisions and offices, the primary focus thus far has been raising awareness about the campaign, where to go to research charities and how to submit a donation.
“I have placed posters in the work area for others to constantly see and provided information via email, in person and on office billboards,” said Maryann Calderon, Administrative Support Assistant, Operations Division. “I have advised my coworkers that I have blank donation forms available upon request, and I wear my red CFC shirt to remind others the campaign is still ongoing.”
Calderon has been involved with CFC since 2010, when she was employed with the Department of the Treasury. With a volunteer spirit and always looking for ways to help others, she holds a few nonprofits close to her heart.
“The Wounded Warrior Project is one for the work they do with military personnel and veterans as I have a veteran and an active-duty Navy sailor in my family and the American Heart Association (AHA) because at the age of 13, my son suffered a stroke. I am grateful for all the research and resources available for my son’s treatment and how the AHA got involved in my son’s treatment for additional research,” said Calderon.
Morgan Littleton, Field Office Assistant, Construction Division – Construction Management Branch, jumped at the chance to volunteer when she saw the key worker solicitation email hit her inbox.
Prior to working for the district, Littleton was the Director of the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society (NMCRS), another 100% donation funded non-profit that benefits those in the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps.
“I believe one of the greatest gifts we can give is our time, and I like to try and make a positive impact any way I can,” said Littleton. “Working at the NMCRS allowed me to see just how big a difference even the smallest amount can make on a person’s life and overall well-being. I love that people can choose how much to donate, how often, and where they want their money to make the biggest impact.”
As the CFC winds down, district employees have until Jan. 15, 2025, to donate to one or more of thousands of worthy causes by choosing the cause(s) closest to their heart.
The importance of participating in the CFC cannot be overstated. Every contribution, no matter the size, has the power to create meaningful change, whether it’s providing education to children, aiding disaster victims, or protecting the environment.
By coming together, we can amplify our collective impact and bring hope to those who need it most, and now is the time to act because generosity today builds a brighter tomorrow.
Clark explained, “You can trust the CFC and it is simple to give through a payroll deduction. Please ‘Give Happy’ by donating today.”
Here are some ways you can donate:
- Get with one of CFC key workers that cover your office or division or reach out to Littleton, Clark or Calderon
- Online at givingcfc.org
- By downloading the mobile app “CFC Giving”
- Download and mail the pledge form
- Text “Donate” to 978-487-5678
- Auto deduction from payroll
Jacksonville District lets ring in 2025 in a grand way by giving back and help reach, or even succeed, this year’s goal of $15,000 donated to our favorite charities. Don’t forget to ‘Give Happy.’
(The public can obtain news, updates and information from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Jacksonville District on the district’s website at https://www.saj.usace.army.mil/, on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/JacksonvilleDistrict and on Twitter at www.twitter.com/JaxStrong.