Time is running out to make a donation to the Combined Federal Campaign, which ends Dec. 15.

According to the official CFC website, “The mission of the CFC is to promote and support philanthropy through a program that is employee-focused, cost-efficient, and effective in providing all federal employees the opportunity to improve the quality of life for all."

“We are not asking for people to give a lot. We are asking for everyone to give a small amount,” said Maj. Stephen Wildt, the officer responsible for the collection and auditing of all donations from Marines, sailors and civilians here. “Your gift of $36 could feed 20 homeless and in-need individuals.  Ten dollars a month could provide two nights’ shelter and food for a battered woman and a child.”

Campaign contributions are distributed to eligible, nonprofit charitable organizations. The CFC has hundreds of charities to choose from. There are local, national and international charities, including organizations for women and children, military families, homeless shelters, disease and affliction research, animal rescues, sports, religious organizations and many more.

“By giving through the CFC, donors have the confidence that their donations go to organizations that are in good standing with the IRS and that perform the work they claim, because each charity goes through a rigorous verification process each year before being listed,” Wildt said.

Col. Michael E. Cordero, commanding officer of Headquarters and Support Battalion here, said he and his wife make the decision to contribute every year.  Recently, Cordero was introduced to an organization called Pro Kids, which focuses on providing children the chance to learn and play golf while teaching them respect and discipline, an opportunity many children may not get.  That was one of the five organizations the Corederos contributed to through the CFC this year.

This year, Camp Pendleton’s participation goal is 30 percent, and the contribution goal is $1.2 million.  The current participation total is at about eight percent and contributions are only at about $350,000.

Last year, the total contribution for all of Camp Pendleton’s units was $545,841, down 31 percent from the 2010 total of $781,633.

“We are called United States Marines. We serve the nation,” said Cordero, who has been contributing to the CFC for more than 20 years.  “That means that we help out not just other Marines but people across the United States and all over the world.  What goes around comes around, and you never know when you might be the one in need of a little extra help.”

To donate to a CFC organization, contact your unit’s CFC coordinator, or simply log on to www.socalcfc.org and fill out the required information.