MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. -- Camp Pendleton’s Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society is set to kick off its annual active-duty fund drive, March 16.
This year though, the society is looking for something more than just donations.
“We’re looking for 100 percent contact with all unit personnel on base,” said Cpl. Patrick T. Navarro, administrative clerk, NMCRS. “As long as we can reach every person on base and give them the opportunity to donate, that’s what we’re hoping for.”
In 2008, the Camp Pendleton office provided more than $3.5 million in emergency assistance funds, which included grants and interest-free loans, to more than 3,100 Marines, sailors and their families.
“The annual fund drive is two-fold; of course there’s the donations part,” said Michael Hire, director, Camp Pendleton NMCRS office. “But this is a great opportunity for Marines and sailors to learn about what we do and all the services we can provide to them. We can help them with funds for things like food, rent or insurance.”
The NMCRS also uses its funds to support new parents and wounded warrior programs.
“We couldn’t operate without donations from our sailors and Marines,” Hire said. “We’re here to serve them and that’s all we do.”
The NMCRS fund drive is one of only two fundraisers allowed to solicit money from active-duty service members.
The Combined Federal Campaign is the other fund drive and takes place in the fall of each year. Donations collected by the CFC are distributed among organizations worldwide.
“All the money donated to our society is turned around and loaned out to fellow Marines and sailors,” Hire said. “It’s just one big cycle of Marines and sailors helping each other.”
Personnel interested in donating should contact their local unit representative, Hire said. The fund drive will run through April 17.
See your unit representative for information about how to donate.
For more information about receiving help from the NMCRS, call (760) 725-5337 or visit the Web site at www.nmcrs.org.