Aviano welcomes season of giving with CFC-O

by Staff Sgt. Jessica Hines
31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs

9/10/2014 - AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy -- The Combined Federal Campaign Overseas makes it easy for military personnel to give back to their community by providing a single, globally-organized fundraising event from September to November.

At Aviano, the 31st Fighter Wing's very own CFC-O drive kicked off Sept. 4 with a burger-burn and information booth near the Exchange, inviting guests to share a meal and browse through a catalogue of various charities.

With more than 2,600 charitable organizations to choose from, service members can put their money where their heart is and support a variety of programs and organizations of their choosing.

"Everyone has a story, everyone has been in a position where they've needed help, and the CFC is a great way to give back and help those organizations that may have helped you or helped somebody you've known," said Senior Master Sgt. Bobby Hickman, 31st Operations Support Squadron and CFC-O Project Officer.

"It also gives you an opportunity to support a specific organization that you're behind and that you believe in," he added.

According to Capt. Marcia Robinson, 31st Aerospace Medical Squadron and CFC-O Project Officer, Aviano's total contribution goal is set at $247,000, slightly higher than last year's grand total.

With the help of unit coordinators, the Aviano CFC team has three major events planned, including a mid-term exercise-a-thon competition among the squadrons, and a lawn movie night for the grand campaign finale.

"CFC unit coordinators can also create their own ways to raise awareness and money," said Robinson. "We are also going to have an awareness booth at the Exchange so people can receive more information about ways to donate on Fridays throughout the campaign period."

To help navigate the donating process, service members can establish monthly automatic payments from their payroll by filling out a form provided by unit representatives. However, members can also give online through the CFC-O website, or by one-time cash donations in-person at an event.

People can also get involved by volunteering in one the events organized by the CFC-O committee and unit coordinators.