Over the past 18 months we have witnessed natural disasters that have wreaked havoc causing the loss of life to thousands of innocent children, men and women throughout the world. Just last week, Wilma became the 12th named hurricane of the season, which ties a record set in 1969. Families lost their homes and thousands are without work.

Our country continues to support the global war against terrorism. The young men and women from our military communities, often the parents of children we serve, are deploying to various locations throughout the world in defense of the freedoms and liberties we cherish as Americans.

The theme for this year’s CFC campaign, Making a World of Difference, speaks volumes about the tremendous financial needs that we see and hear about everyday. This year marks a unique opportunity to support those organizations that helped shelter, feed, and clothe those most affected. It is also a great chance to help your local base charities, which support many organizations in the United States. 

Last year, DoDDS-Pacific/DDESS-Guam donated over $200,000 to worthy charities through the Combined Federal Campaign–Overseas. The total amount of pledges collected in the Pacific alone last year totaled over $4.7 million. All overseas donations combined totaled close to $15 million and over $256 million were collected in 300 campaigns last year. This year there are over 1,700 charities listed in the brochure. From Human Rights, Veterans Affairs, Children’s Services, Cancer Research, and International Relief and Development to your local installation’s Family Support and Youth Programs, your generous donations can truly make a difference to people in need overseas and throughout the United States.

People interested in giving to organizations doing work with Katrina-related needs can find more information with a special link at the Combined Federal Campaign-Overseas web site: www.cfcoverseas.org.

Nancy C. Bresell
Director, DoDDS-Pacific/DDESS-Guam