Representatives from 25 different charities were welcomed to the kickoff of the 2012 Chicago Area Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) on Aug. 22 by Cmdr. Robert Sullivan, executive officer, Naval Station Great Lakes. (NSGL).
    The campaign officially starts on Saturday, Sept. 1 and ends on Dec. 15.
    Speaking to those gathered at the event, Sullivan said, “We have health care and a steady pay check, but there are many who do not. We have to, and we do, make a difference. It takes every one of us.”
    Capt. Randy Lynch, NSGL commanding officer, noting that the campaign’s motto is ‘Give a little, help a lot,’ emphasized that “CFC helps those who need our help.” He explained that the 2011 campaign brought in a combined total of $923,000, exceeding its goal by 142 percent.
    “We approached a million, and would love to get there this year,” the captain said. “To accomplish this goal we need your help,” he told those attending the kickoff.
    Lynch pointed out that, “Donations can be made online, or can still be made by paper. This is a good program and we fully support it.”