LACKLAND AIR FORCE BASE, Texas –
When it comes to helping those less fortunate, Lackland's generosity has come shining through once again in the annual Combined Federal Campaign.
With the close of the 2010 active campaign Nov. 5, federal employees on Lackland had donated more than $1.7 million to CFC. That total is expected to grow before the national campaign concludes Dec. 15 after starting on Lackland Sept. 13.
"We have been very fortunate to have a lot of people who have been generous enough to give substantial amounts of money to those in need," said 1st Lt. Aaron Blackburn, Lackland CFC project officer. "(Even with 51,000 federal employees) we are fortunate in the current economy that people are saying 'I'll give.' That's really unique."
Lieutenant Blackburn said he was pleased with the amount of money that has been raised on Lackland for this year's campaign, the first CFC under Joint Base San Antonio.
"People giving something out of their paychecks really said a lot," Lieutenant Blackburn said.
"(This joint base campaign) is historic; we're actually pioneers.
"In previous years, units did their own campaigns and reported the numbers. This year with JBSA, everyone on Lackland combined together for the base goal; the units combined under one banner."
Lieutenant Blackburn said the money raised would have far-reaching effects on local, national and world-wide levels.
"The more money we raise, the more lives we are able to impact because every dollar goes out to help someone in need," he said.
"I'd like to thank (all those) who have contributed, and we're still accepting donations."
The lieutenant said his family has benefited from organizations that provide services through CFC donations that range from the Tragedy Assistance Program to Fisher House to the animal refuge shelter.
"You wouldn't think these organizations would be in the CFC but they are," Lieutenant Blackburn said.
The CFC guidebook for potential contributors lists more than 2,600 different charities, local to international. Donors made one-time contributions or payroll deductions, and will be distributed among the charities in accordance with the donor's wishes.