Show some love, Combined Federal Campaign returns

  • Published
  • By Paul Shirk
  • 72nd Air Base Wing Public Affairs

The Combined Federal Campaign is returning to Tinker Air Force Base for 2020, encouraging the Tinker community to “show some love.”

The pledge drive, which runs through Jan. 15, allows service members; federal employees; federal and military retirees and federal contractors across the government to contribute to their choice of over 20,000 charities.

“It’s important for people to give because while we may be going through a tough time because of COVID, there are people who rely on our generosity and kindness year-round, whether there’s a pandemic going on or not,” said 1st Lt. Brandon Teeple, 72nd Operations Support Squadron airfield operations officer, one of Tinker’s installation project officers for CFC. “I believe we see the true potential of humans when we are struggling and still find it in our hearts to help those who need it.”

Donors can choose from a variety of causes. Every charity participating in the CFC submits information such as their mission and what percentage of a donation goes to helping their cause.

Unit representatives have the goal of contacting 100% of people on Tinker. However, people wishing to contribute don’t have to wait to be contacted. Visit https://oklahomanorthtexascfc.givecfc.org to make a contribution.

Donors can also make one time contributions by downloading the “CFC Giving” app on either the Apple or Google app stores.

Tinker’s goal is to increase the number of donors as contributions across the DOD have decreased in the last couple years. About 400 donors came from Tinker AFB in 2019.

“A lot of people think they have to give a lot, but in reality every little bit helps,” Teeple said. “You can donate as little as $1 with the recurring pay deduction or $10 for a one-time donation with credit or debit cards.”

In addition to financial contributions, the CFC website shows charities that offer in-person volunteer opportunities, indicated by a raised hand icon next to the charity’s name.

One of the benefits for service members who choose to donate is that they can sponsor causes in their hometown or can pledge to groups in the local area.

“Some of the local charities that benefit from the CFC include the Cargo Ranch in Shawnee, the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma and the United Way of Central Oklahoma in downtown OKC,” Teeple said. “For example, the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma helps stock the food pantry at Midwest City High School.”

The COVID-19 pandemic has made fundraising and holding in-person events such as charity fairs or office volunteer trips to local charities difficult. At the same time, these challenges make every contribution all the more valued.

“I think there’s something really special about when we all come together,” said 1st Lt. Madison Rauenbuehler, 72nd Medical Support Squadron Tricare Operations and Patient Administration Flight commander, another of Tinker’s installation project officers for CFC. “The impact can be powerful and felt further than just our local impact, but nationally and internationally as well.