The CFC is an annual charity drive established in 1961 by an executive order signed by President John F. Kennedy. It is run by federal volunteers worldwide with nearly 4 million federal employees and military personnel able to contribute to charities of their choice. More than 4,000 local, national and international charities are available, and $67.2 million was raised last year in the National Capital Region.

‘‘The CFC offers charities ranging from youth organizations, animal rights and protection, cancer awareness and research, religious charities, education, human rights, health and military,” said Master Sgt. Dustin E. Pence, Bolling CFC chairman. ‘‘The bottom line is that the CFC offers everyone an opportunity to contribute to a charity that they believe in and support.”

New in 2009, contributors not only have the option to give electronically by filling out and printing an online pledge form, and also can contribute via a credit or debit card or e-Check electronic bank transactions in a paperless e-Giving process. Contributors also can donate by filling out the traditional paper pledge form. Payroll deduction is another choice if donors choose to use either the online or hard-copy pledge form.

To date, federal employees have donated $5,072,738.66 in the National Capital Region this year. However, Bolling has struggled to meet its $80,000 goal.

‘‘Our main focus right now is to achieve a 100 percent contact rate,” Sergeant Pence said. ‘‘We are struggling out of the gate with only 10 percent of our goal met thus far, but anticipate that contributions will begin to flow faster in the coming weeks.”

For information, contact your unit team leader or Sergeant Pence at 202-404-3265.