September 1, 2009 

Community Health Charities Campaign Begins This Fall

By Gary Wosk, Staff Writer 

Private federal and state employees who participate in the annual Community Health Charities (CHC) and the Combined Federal (CFC) workplace giving campaigns in September and October and choose The ALS Association as their charity of choice will enhance the quality of life for people with ALS and their caregivers, who are most often family members.

Workers who check national CFC code #11997 on CHC or CFC forms distributed on the job, and then specify that a small percentage of their paycheck be deducted for one year, will help make it possible for The Association’s national network of 42 chapters to continue helping people with ALS and their caregivers. Services and programs provided by chapters include assistive technology, equipment, respite care, transportation and educational seminars.

“The people we help 24 hours a day, seven days a week are very aware that the full range of resources we encourage them to take advantage of is funded in part by such programs as Community Health Charities,” said Sharon Matland, vice president of patient services for The Association. “Equally important to people living with this disease as well as their caregivers is knowing that so many people love and care about them.” 

In addition, contributions will be used to support The Association’s global research program focused on finding new therapies and a cure for ALS.

“Every year, the generous workers of this country make it possible for researchers to edge closer to a major breakthrough,” said Jane H. Gilbert, president and CEO of The Association. “Each dollar goes toward the combat and defeat of this dreaded enemy.”

The Association has funded research in more than 18 countries by conducting “research with no borders” and is involved in more than 80 diverse research projects around the world. 

“The ALS Association realizes that answers can come from any where in the United States or around the world that is why we search out and partner with research scientists from leading institutions all over the world,” said Dr. Lucie Bruijn, senior vice president of research and development for The Association. “We have created an international network of over 400 researchers from many disciplines of medicine, science and technology.” 
 
The Association is a proud member of CHC, a family of this country’s most trusted health agencies working to improve the health of communities through health education, volunteerism and charitable donations.

Please check with your company to see if it participates in the Community Health Charities/Combined Federal Campaign workplace giving program.

Private companies and federal or state agencies not participating this year can be considered for the 2010 campaign by contacting Bonnie Robbins, director, national signature events, national office, The ALS Association, at [email protected].