The 2014 CFC-O Is A Time of Thinking of Those in Need Published Sept. 26, 2014 INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey -- It's easy to think, "That'll never happen to me." "Those kinds of things only happen to other people." "I'm ready for anything." However, life doesn't work that way and often things happen when you would least expect it. One day, you're giving to the needy; the next day, you ARE the needy. That is why we have the Combined Federal Campaign-Overseas (CFC-O). The CFC-O is the annual workplace giving campaign for the five overseas unified combatant commands and an extension of the worldwide CFC program. Chances are you may know someone that has been touched by the CFC and you may not even know it. In fact, I recently met someone for which the CFC really hits close to home. Here is her story. "Four years ago, I was happily pregnant with my second child. At 31 weeks, he started to develop unexplained health issues....he wasn't growing at the expected rate and was not as active as other babies. After weeks of trying to diagnose the situation, and me now at 36 weeks, my doctor decided that it would be best for me to see a specialist. The closest doctor was an hour and 45 minutes away. I was told to pack an overnight bag because this doctor was known to have patients stay overnight for tests. The next day I drove to my appointment, lucky to have my midshift Security Forces husband with me, blissfully unaware of what was coming. At my appointment the technician could not get a good reading from any of the standard tests and we started to get worried. The doctor came in and announced, "I think we should get this baby out today!" Our jaws dropped and the tears started to roll down my face. A million different thoughts ran through our minds....what about the baby's health, I did not pack for a hospital stay, let alone pack anything for bringing a new baby home...no diaper bag, no car seat, no stroller and the crib wasn't even up yet...we were completely unprepared for this baby! After explaining the emergency procedures that were about to happen, and a little comforting, we were rushed over into Labor and Delivery. A few hours later we had a healthy, although small, two pound 13 ounce newborn! But that was just the beginning. The baby was whisked away to the highest level of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit until his level of care required was determined. We asked the staff of doctor's that came every shift when we would be able to leave the hospital, we were told to always expect the worst. It could take months! After three days, my recovery time was maxed out and we were told we would have to check out of the hospital but our baby would be staying. We were determined not leave our newborn's side but were put in a difficult situation being an hour and a half away from home with none of our necessities and not enough money for unexpected costs. That is when CFC charities changed our lives! Lucky for us there was a Ronald McDonald House nearby. In part due to CFC donations, the Ronald McDonald House was able to offer transportation and lodging at no cost to us. But extra costs like food and basic necessities continued to add up, that's when another CFC funded charity stepped in: our base's Operation Warmheart. I was able to take care of the little things like basic necessities and food! Without the help of these two organizations our family would have been lost. And that is why every year I try to repay them for their kindness." If it wasn't for the generosity of those that have given to charities associated with the CFC, who knows what health complications her child might have faced today. What kind of debts would her family incurred to stay by her son's side or enduring a long, recurring commute? This Airman's story illustrates the incredible power of giving. When people give a little of what they have when times are good, others can receive so much more back when times are hard. That is why it's so important to find a charity you are passionate about and give. As such, your opportunity to give to the charity of your choosing through CFC-O began Sept. 8, and runs through Nov. 7. In recent letters to CFC campaign workers and potential contributors, U.S. Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel stated, "In 2013, DoD CFC-O donors pledged nearly $11 million for those in need, including $500,000 for Family Support and Youth Programs, which enhance the quality of life programs in our overseas military communities." He continued, "It is my hope that 2014 brings another successful campaign. Together, we can create change in the world, offering help and hope to those in need." Contributors are sure to find a cause they feel strongly about among the more than 2,600 national and international charities in the CFC-O catalog. Additionally, for the first time, the Office of Personnel Management has authorized Universal Giving, which expands contributors' giving options to pledge to any of the CFC local charities across the United States. The complete, searchable charity list is available online at cfcoverseas.org. Contributors also have the option to give to the overseas military community through the Family Support and Youth Program (FSYP) fund. FSYP donations are returned to overseas military installations and invested in quality of life programs for uniformed service members, Federal civilians and their families. Pledging through the CFC-O gives those serving overseas a chance to extend their service and touch the lives of people in military and civilian communities, across the nation and around the world. These charities depend upon the generosity of CFC-O contributors to give help and hope to those in need, so please make your pledge today. The Defense Finance and Accounting Services (DFAS) myPay system offers contributors the flexibility and opportunity to electronically pledge via payroll allotment. In addition, the CFC-O eGiving system allows contributors to complete a one-time or monthly recurring paperless contribution via credit card, debit card or transfer from a checking or savings account. Contributors can access their giving options at cfcoverseas.org by clicking the "Donate" button. Donors who choose not to give electronically still have the option of using a traditional paper pledge form. However, research shows that it costs approximately $14 per paper pledge form for processing. Using the electronic systems saves those costs and enables more of your gift to go to the designated charities. In the end, keep in mind that you shouldn't think that you're giving to some random person that you may never encounter. One fateful day, it could be your spouse, mother, father, daughter, or son. One day, it could be your friend or neighbor. One day, it could be you. So, please give to make a difference...give because you care. About the CFC-O Dedicated uniformed and civilian personnel demonstrate their generosity each and every day with service to our country and by joining together to help people and communities in need through the Department of Defense Combined Federal Campaign-Overseas. The CFC-O, administered by Global Impact, is one of the most successful charitable workplace giving campaigns in the world. The five overseas unified combatant commands pledged nearly $11 million in 2013 to reach out with life-saving and life-enriching services benefitting millions of people. Learn more at www.cfcoverseas.org. Like us on Facebook.