Combined Federal Campaign kicks off Published Aug. 31, 2009 By LuAnne Smail Maintenance Group PITTSBURGH IAP ARS -- Welcome to the 2009 Combined Federal Campaign! Over the years many of you have been solicited and have chosen to participate in the CFC and we thank you for your support. A number of you are new to the federal workforce and this may well be your first experience with the CFC. Either way, the CFC provides an annual opportunity for you to respond to the needs in our communities, our nation and our world. This year's theme is "iCan"...allowing the opportunity for all federal employees to make a difference. From helping the homeless, to battling life threatening diseases; providing care to abandoned pets, and offering relief to those affected by a disaster, we all can be the support for those in need. We are fortunate in being employed by the government and the CFC gives us the chance to share some of our good fortune with others. This is an exciting year for our local campaign. We are proud to announce the merger between Three Rivers CFC and Pennsylvania West CFC. The benefit of the merger to you as a federal employee is that you will now be able to donate to charities from both the Pennsylvania West CFC and the 3 Rivers CFC. This will also decrease administrative costs to run the campaign, allowing more income to the charitable organizations. Three Rivers/Pennsylvania West CFC serves all federal agencies and branch offices in the following counties: Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Clarion, Fayette, Forest, Greene, Lawrence, Mercer, Venango, Washington, and Westmoreland Counties (PA). Brooke, Hancock, Marshall, Ohio and Wetzel Counties (WV). Belmont and Monroe Counties (OH). Last year, federal civilian employees and military personnel throughout the 3 Rivers/Pennsylvania West region demonstrated an unprecedented commitment to our community by raising over $1.1 million for charity. This year the goal is to again raise $1.1 million and allow all federal employees a chance to be a part of the CFC. Please remember that no contribution is too small and no act too trivial. I encourage you to participate generously in the CFC this year and to donate using payroll deduction. By spreading your gift out, a small donation per month or pay period can build to a larger total sum. If all 20,000 of our current federal employee base were to participate and donate $10 per month, this campaign would raise over $2.4 million dollars! Just imagine what "can" be done with that much money! The directory list hundreds of organizations in need of your assistance. You can also search online at www.3riverscfc.org. Look for organizations that are important to you...because you are definitely important to them. Thank you in advance for your support of this year's 3 Rivers/Pennsylvania West Combined Federal Campaign.