The Federal employees of Kitsap and Mason Counties donated a record $1.9 million through the annual Combined Federal Campaign (CFC), representing a 24 percent increase over last year.

“The Federal Coordinating Committee of the Kitsap and Mason CFC wish to thank all local Federal workers for their support of this year’s campaign,” said Captain Peter Ozimek, commanding officer of the Naval Intermediate Maintenance Facility Pacific Northwest, and chairperson of the local Federal Coordinating Committee. “During a time when the needs have been so great, our Federal workers opened up their hearts and wallets to help meet those needs in a spectacular manner,” he added.

Donations made through the CFC assist the local community as well as support causes throughout the U.S. and around the world. Federal employees choose where they want their donations to go, based on a list of more than 1,700 agencies applying for funding each year.

“The people who live and work here in Kitsap and Mason Counties did it in a big way this year,” said Ozimek. “They earmarked nearly half of their contributions to stay within the local area, proving once again their commitment and involvement in their communities.

The annual campaign runs for a six-week period in October and November. All Federal workers – military, civilian and postal – may donate a portion of their paychecks to the charity of their choice during the drive.