Retirees can give to Air Force Assistance Fund

  • Published
  • By Retired Chief Master Sgt. William D'Avanzo
  • Air Force Personnel Center
RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas (AFNS) --  Even if retired, Airmen still can give to the Air Force Assistance Fund. This year's annual campaign, the 36th, began Feb. 9 and runs through May 1; however, installation commanders will decide on a specific six-week period for their base's campaign.

Retirees can contribute through a one-time gift of cash or check or by payroll deduction from their retired pay. This year, Airmen likely will need assistance more than ever before.

A report from The Center on Philanthropy shows that in the past 40 years' four longest recessions, individual giving declined an average of 3.9 percent per year. Many civilian charities will be hit hard, resulting in fewer dollars for helping individuals in need, and giving Airmen fewer options to reach out to for assistance.

Airmen who haven't given to the AFAF since retiring now have a chance to once again help the four charities: the Air Force Village Foundation, Inc.; the Air Force Aid Society, Inc.; the General and Mrs. Curtis E. LeMay Foundation; and the Air Force Enlisted Village, Inc. These organizations help with emergency aid, educational needs or help secure a retirement home for widows or widowers of Airmen in need of financial assistance.

There are four ways to give:

-- Complete an AF Form 2561 available at www.afassistancefund.org and donate by cash, check or payroll deduction from your Air Force retired pay -- you must print and physically sign and then pass form to your installation AFAF key worker; 

-- Mail contributions -- cash/check/money order -- and contributors' forms to Air Force Assistance Fund, HQ AFPC/DPSIMF, 550 C Street West Ste 37, Randolph AFB TX 78150-4739. Note that contributions mailed to AFPC will not be counted toward any particular installation's goals or totals;

-- Mail contributions directly to the affiliate(s) of your choice at the addresses in the campaign brochures and also found on the AFAF Web site. Note that contributions mailed directly to affiliates cannot be counted toward any installation or Air Force goals or totals; or

-- Mail completed Payroll Deduction Plan form directly to DFAS, Cleveland Center, ATTN: Code FR, P.O. Box 99191, Cleveland OH 44199-1126.
 
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