'Cooking-up' some CFC donations Published Dec. 10, 2013 By Tech. Sgt. Mark Wyatt 157th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs PEASE AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, N.H. -- The Combined Federal Campaign is now in full swing. The annual giving campaign, that began Oct. 28 after the government shutdown, will now continue through the January unit training assembly. Local CFC organizers have planned several events to raise money for hundreds of N.H. charities. The 157th Air Refueling Wing's annual chili cook-off was held Dec. 4 and provided members a chance to serve up their best chili with proceeds from the event donated to CFC. "Everyone enjoys the chili cook-off, which has become an annual tradition with tough competition for bragging rights," said Balas. "Thanks to everyone who participated and congratulations to those that were voted 'best chili' this year." CFC began in the 1960s to coordinate the fundraising efforts of various charitable organizations so that the federal donor would only be solicited once in the workplace and have the opportunity to make a charitable contribution through payroll deduction. CFC is made up of local campaigns throughout the country. The N.H. National Guard is part of the Northern New England Combined Federal Campaign, which includes other federal organizations such as the National Passport Center, FBI, U.S. Postal Service and many more. Last year, the 157th Air Refueling Wing and 64th Air Refueling Squadron raised more than $35,000.00 towards the campaign. This year Senior Master Sgt. Fred Balas, 157th Air Refueling Wing CFC Coordinator, believes that despite these difficult times, we will once again make a significant contribution to charities supported by the CFC. "Everyone recognizes the importance of giving," said Balas. "CFC is an excellent way to contribute to charities that benefit our local communities, fellow military members, and many other worthy organizations." Federal employees have a variety of options for giving. They may choose to contribute though payroll deduction or they may give a one-time donation using cash, check, or credit card online. For the first time, full-time military and technician employees can contribute though payroll deduction using myPay. When setting up a monthly contribution using myPay, donors must enter the 4-digit CFC code "0571" for Northern New England and "N.H. Air National Guard" for the Command Unit Name. For those that choose to contribute a one-time donation, they may do so by filling out a pledge card or they may use a credit card. To use a credit card, visit the Northern New England Combined Federal Campaign website. Once on the site, click "Pledge Online," then click "CFC NEXUS" and follow the instructions to register and pledge. Unit CFC representatives are in the process of passing out pledge cards and charity catalogs. There are thousands of CFC approved charities listed that range from local food pantries to international organizations. Employees may also visit the CFC of Northern New England website to download a searchable charities list. For further information about the Northern New England Combined Federal Campaign, visit http://wp.northernnewenglandcfc.org.