Through the CFC, nearly 4 million federal employees and military personnel are able to contribute to the charities of their choice during the annual charity drive, which runs from Sept. 1 through Dec. 15 of each year.

The American Red Cross was one of the first charitable organizations to participate in the campaign. Over the years, generous donations made by federal civilian, postal, and military donors during the campaign season have supported the lifesaving mission of the Red Cross, helping people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies.

This year, the American Red Cross Southern Maryland Chapter continues its long tradition of participating in the CFC. As the campaign moves forward this fall, several changes made within the CFC have affected all participating charities, including the Red Cross. Notably, American Red Cross Southern Maryland Chapter has a new five-digit charity code (10266) for use by federal employees to designate their donation. The local Southern Maryland Red Cross chapter will receive 100 percent of the donation with no offset from the National HQ Red Cross through the use of the new charity code, which can be found in the charity lists of the local CFCs around the country. This will be accomplished through the use of your home ZIP code on the CFC form.

What is the CFC?

Through the Combined Federal Campaign, all federal employees, postal workers and military members have the opportunity to support their favorite charitable organization every year. These contributions can be made either by cash or check or can be automatically deducted from employees' paychecks.

The CFC is one of the most inclusive workplace giving campaigns in the world, with over 20,000 nonprofit charitable organizations participating worldwide. Last year, more than $270 million was donated to recognized charitable organizations through this campaign, with more than $6.6 million contributed to the American Red Cross national listing.

“The federal employees who have donated to the Red Cross through the Combined Federal Campaign are committed to making a difference through their support of our humanitarian mission,“ said Mike Zabko, director for the local chapter of the American Red Cross. “I would like to thank them for their generous support, which enables the Red Cross to touch millions of lives and bring help to people around the corner and across the nation.“

Why the CFC?

The Combined Federal Campaign is not just a means for federal employees to provide vital support; it also serves as an excellent platform for donors to come face to face with the American Red Cross, providing them with an opportunity to learn how their support enables the Red Cross to make a difference in communities across the nation.

Supporting the Red Cross helps people recover from disasters; empowers people with the skills and confidence they need to be ready for disasters and life's emergencies; provides emergency messages, referrals and related services to U.S. service members, veterans and their families; and helps supply blood to people in need.

“I look forward to the campaign season each year because it gives me a chance to talk with people who have been helped by the Red Cross and who have supported the mission for years,“ said Zabko.

“The Red Cross can address people's concerns. We listen to their personal stories of being helped by the Red Cross and provide them with information that may one day help their families in an emergency,“ Zabko said.

The campaign gives federal employees a chance to make a difference in the lives of millions of people through the Red Cross and other charities, helping their neighbors during their time of need.

Federal employees can support the Red Cross Southern Maryland Chapter by designating to the national listing, 10266, and due to their home ZIP code 100 percent of the donation will be credited to the Southern Maryland Chapter.