Every Dollar Helps Published Dec. 18, 2013 By Capt. Benjamin Cruz 325th Fighter Wing TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE Fla. -- Tyndall has an outstanding record of charitable donations through the Combined Federal Campaign, and this year is no different with the goal being met at 100 percent contact at $121,646.04. The CFC is a one-stop shop for federal employees to donate to properly-vetted charities during a dedicated six-week window. It is comprised of 165 local campaigns operating globally, with Tyndall being part of the six-county Northwest Florida Campaign. Last year the campaign raised more than $258 million and our six-county campaign raised over $317,000. Several events, such as bowling and a 5K run, were held on base in an effort to reach the goal. Bowling brought a total of $446 and the 5k brought $247.18. All proceeds whet directly to the charities. Tyndall's Key Workers were instrumental in making the campaign a success. Without their hard work in getting the word out, collecting pledge cards, organizing fundraising events or compiling data the campaign would have fallen painfully short. We also had two loaned executives, Staff Sgt. Brittney Mendiola, 325th Civil Engineering Squadron fire inspector, and Airman 1st Class James Hunt, 325th Aerospace Medicine Squadron bioenvironmental engineering technician, who worked tirelessly on data management not only for Tyndall, but for the entire six-county campaign area, including the Navy base. I was extremely lucky to work with outstanding Airmen who knew how to get the job done efficiently and effectively. Every dollar helps, no matter how small you think your donation may be. I have seen first-hand the impact that local charities have had on our community. For example, a single mother right here in Panama City with three young children struggled to put food on the table and find stable work, due to not being able to afford childcare. She wanted desperately to make something of herself and set a good example to her children. So, she found out about a local charity that helped get her childcare and put her in a vocational school to gain the marketable skills necessary for a higher paying job. Needless to say, she finished school and landed a full-time job with full medical and dental benefits, which enabled her to pull her family out of poverty. Her enthusiasm and excitement were infectious and she is now an advocate for the same charity that helped her. This is just one of thousands of similar stories in our own area.