Contributing to the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) is as simple as making a few strokes on a keyboard.

Simply go to the online pledge portal (cascadiacfc.org) and follow the easy-to-follow guidelines. 

Doing so opens the door to a full range of giving options -- payroll or annuity deduction, credit/debit card, e-check, and volunteer hours (for federal employees only). Moreover, the renewal of pledges can be done as well.

It's that easy.

The CFC is the world's largest and most successful annual workplace charity campaign, and it is the only approved campaign for military members, federal civilian employees, postal workers and federal retirees.

Local, national and international charities, helped in part by CFC donations, provide needed services to those in need.

"Over the past 58 years, federal employees have donated more than $8.3 billion to charities," began William McCool, the chairperson of the Cascadia CFC region, in an email. "Local, national and international charities provide vital services to those in need ... and all charities are vetted and certified in order to receive funds, providing donors with peace of mind."

There are 36 CFC regions in this country and around the world. Cascadia CFC, and its more than 124,000 federal employees, is the region which covers Washington state and northern Idaho. Last year, donors in the Cascadia region donated more than $1.8 million.

"This is an average gift of $775 per participant, in monetary pledges and volunteer time," explained McCool, "for thousands of participating local, national and international charities."

He speaks from experience.

A District Court Executive/Clerk of Court, United States District Court for the Western District of Washington, he began working with the CFC in 1996.

"I have contributed each year to the CFC via payroll deduction, and I give to the causes I feel strongly about," he continued.

Since beginning his work with the CFC, he has served in a number of leadership roles and earned the respect of his peers.

"I am honored to be asked to chair this year's campaign for Cascadia CFC," he continued.

"As the chair, I will be helping to promote the campaign to federal employees through promotional videos, event appearances and other opportunities to get the word out throughout the region."

He then explained in simple, straight-forward language how the program works.

"Giving through the CFC is an easy way for donors to give to charities through payroll deductions each pay period," he said. "They choose a cause, make a pledge, and help is given to those in need."

All CFC donations are tax-deductible.

Whether a donor cares about military families, youth development, housing and shelter, or animal welfare -- there is a charity for any organization potential donors wish to support.

Federal retirees and contractors can partner with current federal employees in a combined fundraising effort.

"It is very gratifying to me to know that these donations can make such a positive difference in people's lives," concluded McCool.

"Any donation helps those in need, and I hope each reader will consider contributing through the Combined Federal Campaign."

The 2019 CFC runs through Jan. 12, 2020.  Federal employees and retirees are invited to pledge or learn more about the campaign at cascadiacfc.org.