Environmental Factor

October 2014

NIEHS launches 2014 CFC drive

By Ian Thomas

Ashley Ascott, J.D., represents Dress for Success Worldwide, which is dedicated to improving the lives of women in 15 countries by providing professional clothing, employment retention programs, and career development support. (Photo courtesy of Steve McCaw)

Tokar encouraged NIEHS employees to take advantage of the payroll deduction feature. (Photo courtesy of Steve McCaw)

NIEHS staff and scientists gathered Sept. 17 in Building 101 to kick off the institute’s 2014 Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) drive. Working from tables in the lobby, volunteers served up a variety of tasty treats as part of a bake sale to advance the campaign’s overall goal — raising $116,000 in charitable pledges by Dec. 1.

“Contributions to the CFC, even small ones, really make a profound difference in the lives of those they go to support,” said Erik Tokar, Ph.D., a group leader with the National Toxicology Program (NTP).

Tokar is a co-chair on this year’s campaign together with NTP Health Scientist Administrator Lori White, Ph.D.

A history of helping

Since 1961, the mission of the CFC has been to promote and support philanthropy through a program that is employee focused, cost efficient, and effective in providing all federal employees the opportunity to improve the quality of life for people in need.

“The CFC has evolved into the largest employee giving program in the country,” said NIEHS and NTP Director Linda Birnbaum, Ph.D. “I am so proud of the continued generosity of NIEHS employees. They are always willing to help those in need, especially when a charity addresses a need close to the heart that speaks to personal experiences.”

This year, donors will notice one key difference — the ability to reach outside of their local community and give to any of the campaign’s more than 24,000 charities nationwide.

“With this new option,” noted Birnbaum, “any employee, anywhere, can log onto the campaign’s website and find that one charity that speaks to him or her.”

Employees can make a donation by cash, credit card, check, or setting up a regular payroll deduction. Organizers stressed their preference for the latter, because it allows charities to better gauge their income for the year ahead.

(Ian Thomas is a public relations specialist with the Office of Communication and Public Liaison and a regular contributor to the Environmental Factor.)

White, center, listened as representatives of four CFC charities discussed their services with kickoff attendees. (Photo courtesy of Steve McCaw)

Birnbaum shared her pride in the 2013 success of the CFC, when NIEHS raised $100,425 for charity. (Photo courtesy of Steve McCaw)