News

Robins 2009 CFC kicks off Wednesday

  • Published
  • By Wayne Crenshaw
  • 78 ABW/PA
ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  Times are tough, but Team Robins members will soon be asked to consider helping those for whom times are tougher.

The 2009 Combined Federal Campaign officially begins Wednesday, but a kickoff was held this week with Maj. Gen. Polly Peyer, commander of Warner Robins Air Logistics Center, offering words of encouragement to local volunteers.

During the campaign, everyone who works at Robins will be given an opportunity to donate a part of their paycheck to a charity or charities of their choosing. Over 4,000 charities are approved for the campaign.

The goal this year is $1.375 million, slightly more than last year's goal of $1.35 million. Last year's campaign raised $1.48 million.

The base has beaten the annual campaign goal every year, at least since 2000, said Mark Wallentine, chairman of this year's campaign.

Despite the difficult economy, he said he is confident Team Robins members will beat the goal again. "I don't want to be the first not to make the goal," he said. "We believe the people here will always contribute and open their pocketbooks."

Super monitors in each wing will direct the effort within their organizations, and volunteers will assist distributing booklets and pledge cards.

Wallentine said although many Team Robins members are trying to tighten their spending, it's important to remember those less fortunate.

"Contributing is our way of giving back," he said. "When we look at the stability in this area for federal workers, and when we see what's happing in the economy around us, we have to be thankful for what we have."

The CFC offers federal government workers a way to contribute to charity through payroll deduction. The campaign is strictly voluntary and no one is pressured to give, Wallentine said. No one keeps track of who does or doesn't give, he said.

The campaign is intended to keep fundraising costs down by combining fundraising for a number of different charities. It runs through Nov. 13.

"Early Bird" awards will be given to areas that have pledges turned in by Oct. 16. A victory celebration is planned for Dec. 9.