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Learn how Oklahoma City VA Health Care System achieved new charitable giving milestones through the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC). For over 75 years, VA has been a cornerstone of support

for Veterans in Oklahoma City.  Since its inception as a temporary hospital at Will Rogers Field after World War II, Oklahoma City VA has been committed to providing excellent care for

Veterans, their families, caregivers and survivors.  This dedication to service extends beyond the doors of its medical centers; it reflects Oklahoma City VA’s commitment to the communities

it serves. “The CFC supports charitable organizations that contribute to causes such as education, health, disaster relief and more,” said Oklahoma City VA Health Care System Director Wade

Vlosich. “I am proud of our staff supporting the communities we call home.” GIVING AND ENGAGEMENT WITH LOCAL CAUSES In a significant achievement, Oklahoma City VA was recognized in 2023, for

its contributions to 37 charities. The CFC is the official workplace giving campaign for the federal community, offering federal employees and retirees the opportunity to support their

charity or charities of choice. “The CFC is a way for federal employees to support causes they care about by donating money or volunteering, including to charities or non-profits that aid

military personnel and Veterans,” said Oklahoma City VA CFC Coordinator Erick B. Riggs. RECOGNITION IN CONTRIBUTIONS AND PARTICIPATION Oklahoma City VA earned two of three awards presented

to federal government units or offices. They received the Over-the-Top Bronze Award, given to those who increased their contributions by over 25% from the previous year, and the All-for-One

Award for the highest participation among federal workplaces with 200 or more employees. BEHIND THE NUMBERS In 2023, Oklahoma City VA raised $29,967, an increase from $27,830 in 2022,

marking its highest donation rate since 2020. They also increased their total number of donors from 17 to 25, their highest participation rate since 2020. “We were one percentage point shy

from earning the Over-the-Top Silver award, given for having a 26% to 50% increase in donors from the previous year,” said Riggs. “We also grew our total participation numbers by roughly

47%.” TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCEMENTS IN GIVING The CFC is committed to making charitable giving as accessible as possible. In 2023, they introduced a mobile app and text-to-donate options.

“These advancements show the CFC’s commitment to making giving as easy and convenient as possible,” said Riggs. “By offering options such as the CFC Giving app, texting, paper pledge forms

or automatic deductions, they are broadening the scope of potential donors.” OKLAHOMA CITY VA’S UNWAVERING COMMITMENT TO GIVING “Over the past four years, Oklahoma City VA has increased

their amount raised, which is a testament to employee generosity, outreach efforts by Mr. Riggs and the office of public affairs, and the amazing CFC volunteers,” said Antonia Gonzalez,

southern area director at MP May, Inc., which serves as the CFC’s outreach coordinator (OC). Gonzalez oversees CFC campaigns in Oklahoma and the North Texas Panhandle, North Texas, the Texas

Gulf Coast, South Central Texas, the Mississippi Delta/Gulf Coastal Plains and the Southeast Tri-State area. The Office of Personnel Management contracts the OC to conduct outreach,

education, training and event coordination for local campaigns. THE IMPACT OF THE CFC  The CFC also allows federal employees to volunteer with participating charities and non-profit

organizations by pledging their time and skills. To volunteer, an employee can select a participating charity and list the hours they wish to pledge. Employees can use the CFC’s Online

Giving System, the CFC mobile app or a paper pledge form. Volunteers can choose to be contacted by charities for volunteer opportunities or remain anonymous and reach out to charities

themselves to complete their pledged volunteer hours. Charities can submit volunteer opportunities to the CFC Volunteer Database and contact those who volunteered the previous year. This 

allows charities to coordinate with volunteers to fulfill their committed hours and support the charity’s mission. “In 2022, over 79,017 volunteer hours were donated, valued at $2,118,122,”

said Riggs. “After pledges from 80,746 donors, $72,694,572 was distributed to 4,882 charities.” Visit the CFC website to learn more. Jesus Flores is a writer and editor on the VISN 19

Creative Task Force and a Marine Corps Veteran