Heartland CFC: www.heartlandcfc.org | August 2004 | Print This Newsletter Print this Newsletter in PDF Format

A Message from Anita DuncanAnita Duncan, Vice President, AFGE Local 1923
Vice President of the AFGE Local 1923
CFC Campaign Co-Chair

Truthfully!

When I was asked to serve as the 2004 CFC Campaign Labor Co-Chair I was flattered, but felt unworthy at the same time. While I had donated time and money during the campaigns each year, I know that it’s been more than ten years since I contributed via payroll deduction. If you asked me why I was no longer participating I could not answer and I’m sure that there are hundreds of you just like me.

I am Anita Duncan, Vice President of the American Federation of Government Employees (AFL-CIO), Local 1923 and my goal for this years’ campaign is to reach out to those of you like me. Think about the office that you work in and the number of times during the year you are asked to help raise money or collect items for a family, co-worker, or charity in need. Hopefully you will, like I now realize that by making payroll deductions to CFC you could eliminate the need for such requests.

Did you know that a contribution of $2 per pay period will provide 68 meals to low-income individuals, $10 provides 4 hours of physical therapy for a child with cerebral palsy or 4 handicapped accessible stairways for elderly or disabled people so they can remain in their homes, $20 helps buy an acre of land to protect our nation’s agricultural lands and $25 buys school supplies or a school uniform for twelve children? If you don’t feel passionate about any of these causes, there are more than 1,500 local and international organizations from which to choose from.

It was not until I looked at the list of qualified non-profits that I realized how CFC has touched my life. Be it my sorority’s Alpha Kappa Alpha Educational Advancement or the American Red Cross to which I’ve volunteered my time by installing free smoke detectors in homes, working canteens during floods and fires as well as serving on its Disaster Relief and Damage Assessment teams. Or maybe it was Big Brothers Big Sisters of America for which I served as team captain for many years in its bowling league fundraisers. I was happy to volunteer a little of my time to make a difference in my community.

But on a personal note, it could have been Swope Parkway Health Center providing reading glasses to my brother during the final months of his lost battle with AIDS and Tri-County Mental Services, Inc. who provided me grief counseling immediately thereafter. While there were many other organizations that are meaningful to me, I just wanted you to see how many non-profits we connect with throughout our lives and that we can make a difference. You have the power, the power of one, the power of many, the power of you.

Of course, there are some who say they simply cannot afford to give to CFC and instead need its services. These services are available today because someone in the past donated as little as $1.00 per week to make a difference in our community. I want those that can participate, to join me in this worthwhile campaign that each year continues to makes this world a better place.

Make a Difference, The Power of You!

A Message from Henry Palacios
Regional Director, U.S. Census Bureau - DOC,
CFC Campaign Co-Chair

Henry Palacios, Regional Director, U.S. Census Bureau, DOCI look forward to the opportunity to serve as Co-chair of the 2004 Heartland Combined Federal Campaign (CFC).   Each year federal employees in the Heartland give generously to charitable and philanthropic organizations that serve our community, our nation, and the world.  Most of us want to help people in need.  Every day all of us see and hear countless examples of people in need:  spouses and children living in abusive household situations; adults and children faced with serious life threatening illnesses or crippling diseases; seniors and others who need help dealing with blindness, loss of hearing, or autism.  Sometimes these conditions befall our own families and we become the people in need.  Like everyone, I try to be thankful for the good health and circumstances I enjoy.   And like everyone, my first instinct is to help in a meaningful way.   

In 2003 federal employees in the Heartland contributed to a highly successful campaign that set new records by giving well over $2.7 million dollars to many Kansas City charities.  We also helped countless people deal with blindness, cope with hearing loss, and obtain treatment for diseases that as yet have no cure.  We can do that again in 2004 and we have the opportunity to do it better than we did last year.  

I am delighted that we have assembled a CFC Cabinet of extraordinary individuals to guide us through this year’s campaign.  Our theme, MAKE A DIFFERENCE - THE POWER OF YOU symbolizes the importance one can make in the life of another in need.  As a group, federal employees in the Heartland make a difference to thousands in Kansas City and across the nation.   One of our goals in 2004 will be to build upon the success of past campaigns.  I think we have chosen a campaign theme that ensures every federal employee will be aware of the CFC, knows the value of their contributions to the community, and understands how simple it is to participate.

The CFC is the only authorized solicitor of federal employees on behalf of charitable organizations.  These organizations help enrich the lives of people and families worldwide by providing medical, legal and social services, sponsoring research, and providing products to those in need.  That need is greater than ever before.  To meet this need, I’m asking all of you to participate in this year’s campaign.  Remember:  No gift is too small.  Every dollar helps.   In advance of this year’s campaign, I want to thank every federal employee who has contributed to our past success and urge them to again  participate in the 2004 campaign.  I strongly encourage those who have never participated to join us in making this a record year for participation.  I am confident YOU can MAKE A DIFFERENCE.