By Justin Creech
Staff Writer
Thursday, January 5, 2012

Fort Belvoir’s Combined Federal Campaign efforts for 2011 succeeded in raising roughly 170 percent of the set goal.

This year’s CFC goal was $53,100 and as of Dec. 29 the total amount raised was more than $88,409.28.

The overall efforts of everyone involved is what made this year’s campaign so successful according to Russell Miller, Belvoir CFC campaign coordinator, and Fort Belvoir Fire and Emergency Services, deputy fire chief.

“Some of the success is because the key workers have been doing this for so many years it’s just like everything falls into place,” said Miller. For example, the Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation have a host of key workers who can really get out and contact the people.

Donations came in slowly at the start of the collection period, which began in September, but steadily increased.

“The person who was the campaign coordinator two years ago said from the middle of the campaign on is when most of the donations come in,” said Miller.

Participation in the campaign from Belvoir residents and employees increased by 5 percent this year, said Miller.

One key worker who has never had an issue getting donations is Jeaniece Brown, Lead Teacher/Toddler C at the North Post Child Development Center.

Brown has been the North Post CDC key worker for five years and said they always do 100 percent participation.

“That is our model, 100 percent participation,” said Brown. “I just have this take no prisoners attitude. We don’t try to twist anyone’s arm, but once you share the CFC story each individual kind of takes it from there.”

Collections began in September, but Miller didn’t find out that he was the campaign coordinator until several weeks later.

That, however, wasn’t the biggest challenge that he faced. Figuring out which groups and organizations are tenants at Belvoir presented the most difficulty.

“The Northern Regional Medical Command, first they were underneath of us and then they weren’t, and then finally they were,” said Russell. “When I talked to their (public affairs officer) he said don’t worry we’ve been doing this for years and they delivered big time.”

There were some people who were upset because they only donated a few times, or were only able to contribute a certain amount of money, according to Miller. He, however, wasn’t concerned about the amount or frequency of donations from individuals.

“I had a person email me and say she was embarrassed because she had only made two donations. But, she donated $1,300 so I was like ‘Why would you feel bad?’” said Miller. “Even if it’s only two dollars that’s two dollars that we didn’t have the day before, that’s the way I look at it.”

This is the first year Miller assumed the duties of campaign coordinator. Since that responsibility rotates annually, Miller will not have an opportunity to be the coordinator next year, but he did say he enjoyed the experience.

“It’s a lot of work, but it’s very rewarding to find out all the good people that look forward to doing this each year,” said Miller. “Plus, just knowing that the money is going to people’s charities makes a difference.”