MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. -- The Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society has been providing assistance to active-duty and retired sailors, Marines and their families for 105 years. This feat could not have been possible without assistance from service members and their families. That is why every year they have a fund drive on bases across America to raise the money needed for their programs.
What is the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society?
The NMCRS is a non-profit charitable organization that works with the Navy and Marine Corps to aid and educate Marines and sailors in financial matters. The society operates through volunteers and donations from active-duty and retired personnel in the Navy and Marine Corps.
What does the NMCRS do?
The NMCRS provides financial assistance to any Marine or sailor on active duty, retired or reserve on extended active duty and their families. The society wants to provide an option other than bank loans and payday lenders, which can bury an individual in debt with high interest rates.
What programs does the NMCRS offer?
The NMCRS offers interest free loans and grants to service members who require financial aid. A newly instituted Quick Assist Loan has a credit limit up to $300, which service members can use for basic living expenses, family emergencies or medical expenses. The caseworkers at NMCRS can help you develop a spending plan to aid you in living within what your budget allows. The organization also provides young families with a gift of clothing and other basic items required for a newborn child.
Do I have to donate to the NMCRS?
No, all donations are made on a voluntary basis. Your chain of command can encourage you to participate in helping your fellow Marines and sailors, however, you should not be coerced in any way.
How do I donate to the NMCRS?
Once a year, the relief society conducts a fund drive. The goal of the drive is 100 percent contact with Marines and sailors. Funds are collected in three ways; check, cash and pay allotments.
Make checks payable to NMCRS or Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society and mail to 875 N. Randolph Street, Suite 225, Arlington, Va. 22203-1977.
Cash donation can be made by active-duty service members by contacting their unit NMCRS representative. Civilians who work on base can contact the representative in their office.
Pay allotments are taken out of the service member’s paycheck over a 12-month period.
Can my civilian friends and family donate to NMCRS?
Yes they can. While the society does not solicit from the civilian populace, any civilian wanting to help NMCRS in their effort to support service members and their families can send in cash or check donations to the main office. The pay allotment option is not available for civilians.
For more information on the NMCRS, visit the Web site www.nmcrs.org or call the Mainside office at (760)-725-5337 or their San Onofre office at (760)-725-7497.