CAMP FOSTER, Japan - The 2012 Combined Federal Campaign-Overseas fundraising season, which began Sept. 17, has reached the halfway point and will continue through the end of November.

“The CFC’s goal is twofold; to provide (every) federal employee with the informed opportunity to give to a charity or cause of their choice and to raise as many funds as possible to allow our member charities to operate their services and assist those in need,” said Franciela P. Itule, the campaign manager for CFC-O Pacific.

The CFC, which began 51 years ago, is the only authorized solicitation of federal employees on behalf of charitable organizations.

“There is no official (dollar) goal,” said Itule. “However, the Pacific (theater of the campaign) raised $4.9 million in 2011, so I am hoping we can reach at least $5 million this year. The 2012 CFC-O Pacific, which encompasses all military units and personnel assigned to U.S. Pacific Command, has currently raised over $1.4 million.”

The CFC has a list of charitable organizations federal employees are able to donate to through the campaign, according to Capt. Christopher M. Eyre, the CFC-O community area project officer for Headquarters and Service Battalion, Marine Corps Base Camp Butler, Marine Corps Installations Pacific.

“The CFC is important because it gives Marines and sailors an opportunity to give back to the community through charitable donations to a variety of organizations,” said Maj. Greg Obar, the CFC-O community area project officer for 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force. “Many Marines and sailors have charities that are important to them, and this is a meaningful and convenient way to make a significant impact on the lives of others.”

With six weeks remaining before the campaign concludes, fundraisers are encouraged by the humble spirit often displayed by service members and their families. CFC-O project officers look forward to a strong finish to this year’s campaign, according to Maj. Allen D. Agra, the CFC component project officer for Marine Forces – Japan.

“I see how one may get bogged down in trying to spread their limited donation (money) across a number of the more than 4,000 nonprofit organizations participating in the 2012 CFC,” said Agra. “The CFC offers many charities that will directly benefit the military units; (CFC) representatives can help service members find the correct charity for them.”

“I have confidence that we will meet our objectives,” said Itule. “The men and women serving in the Pacific have always been very generous. I think it’s because they understand the needs of the less fortunate. Many service members see firsthand communities without water, food and shelter in this region, and that is a powerful motivator for making a difference.”

To find out more regarding CFC-O, contact your unit representative or visit the CFC-O website at http://cfcoverseas.org.