JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas –
This year's annual Combined Federal Campaign has found Joint Base San Antonio and the city of San Antonio contributors to be in a giving mood.
Five weeks into the 2012 campaign, the three JBSA locations combined have reached almost 40 percent of their $4.6 million total goal. City-wide, contributions from San Antonio federal employees are running $251,000 ahead of last year's pace toward its $5.5 million goal.
"The JBSA campaign is going very well," 1st Lt. Anthony Anderson, JBSA campaign project officer, said. "We have seen donations coming in at a faster pace than last year, and we expect this to continue.
"I had high expectations when we kicked off the campaign (Sept. 1), and those expectations have been exceeded," he said about the campaign, which continues through Dec. 15.
The CFC was created to shield federal employees from constant year-round solicitation in the work place. It affords them the opportunity to decide and donate without leaving their work center.
The 2012 campaign guidebook for potential contributors lists more than 2,700 different charities, local to international. Donors can make one-time contributions or payroll deductions; donations can also be distributed among the charities in accordance with the donor's wishes.
JBSA has raised more than $1.8 million, one-third of the way into the fundraising. By location, JBSA-Randolph has reached more than 55 percent of its $1.1 million goal, JBSA-Lackland is at 39 percent of its $2.1 million target and JBSA-Fort Sam Houston has collected 27 percent toward its $1.4 million objective.
This year's theme, "iGive," comprises four parts: "I'm informed, I'm involved, I'm inspired and I'm invested." It augments an "effective communications" approach to the campaign, and Anderson said it has been one of the keys to a successful start.
"We have seen marked improvement this year in receptiveness to the campaign simply by ensuring we use effective communication," he said. "Our key workers have made sure not to just drop the brochure on an individual's desk, but rather take the time to explain CFC so they can make an informed decision."
Dave Carletti, senior vice president, public sector campaigns, United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County, who is responsible for the San Antonio CFC, also said helping potential contributors understand the campaign's significance is paying off.
"Our primary focus this year was to provide meaningful information so donors could make informed decisions and really understand the impact their investments make," Carletti said. "We look to be on track for a successful campaign to meet and exceed our $5.5 million goal.
"I believe most people are willing to give if given the opportunity and provided a good reason to be involved," he said. "The No. 1 reason people don't give is they are not asked. Through our efforts to create more meaningful contact, we hope to educate all CFC donors so they see the value in participating."
The JBSA campaign project officer said the CFC provides choice, convenience and confidence for contributors.
"Federal employees can choose from more than 2,700 agencies, donate conveniently through payroll deduction and be confident the organization they are donating to has been screened to ensure their money is being used as the agency advertises," he said.
Carletti added the military and civilian federal workforce has always shown the capacity and willingness to help others.
"Albert Schweitzer once wrote, 'You don't live in a world all alone. Your brothers are here, too,'" he said. "Participating in the CFC allows us to help others who are in need of a helping hand ... to make a difference in someone's life. You never know when that someone might be you, a family member or a friend."