DAHLGREN, Va. – “Show Some Love.” This slogan is exactly what Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division (NSWCDD) personnel have taken to heart as they contribute to the 2019 Combined Federal Campaign (CFC).
As of Oct. 28, NSWCDD had reached 9.4 percent or $30,911 of its $330,430 goal, said Catherine Evans, NSWCDD CFC primary coordinator.
“You can give as little as one dollar or the cost of a cup of coffee, $3, per pay period. That may not sound like much but every penny counts to these charities,” Evans said.
If everyone in Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) pledges $3, the $1 million goal can be reached, she added.
Personnel took time to visit Evans at the CFC table at the NSWCDD picnic on Oct. 30 to learn about the 58-year federal workplace giving tradition that to date has raised more than $8.3 billion for more than 20,000 nonprofit charitable organizations.
“Everyone has someone or something that they care about,” said Evans. “Find the cause, or causes, that you care about and ‘Show Some Love’ by giving any way you can – monetary or volunteering.”
During the picnic, Evans and her team spread the word about new features of the CFC campaign. Pledges can be given via payroll deduction, debit or credit card, or direct bank withdrawal. Personnel can pledge to volunteer at charities, and the hours worked will count towards the goal.
Each week until the last day to give – Jan. 12, 2020 – highlights causes including environmental protection, eradicating hunger, human rights, and arts and culture.
“We never focus on any particular organization, but instead we focus on a cause,” Evans said. “People who are not familiar with the campaign are surprised when they see and hear about the variety of causes that CFC supports.”
The week of Nov. 4 is Military Support Week – a cause that is dear to Evans.
“I was in the Navy for 20 years and remember being away from friends and family. The morale of the troops is of utmost importance,” she said.
A donation of $13 arranges for a morale boosting event for deployed service members, such as a game night, according to the CFC website at https://cfcnca.org/
“Here at NSWCDD our main mission is to support the warfighter,” she said. “By CFC focusing on military support it helps everyone to understand and support on all aspects of a military person’s needs.”
Within departments in NSWCDD, CFC coordinators and keyworkers are spreading the word and holding events.
Various charities will be lined up at the CFC Charity Fair at the parade field, Nov. 6, to provide information and an opportunity to sign up for CFC.
When considering the CFC, Evans said it comes down to asking yourself – “What do I care about?”
“Everyone cares about something,” she added. “What are you willing or going to do about it? CFC helps you answer that question.”