Relief society drive under way

April 1 started the society's annual fund-raising campaign. The goal is to raise $85,000 by the end of this month.

Money raised allows NMCRS to provide financial help, education and other assistance to the Navy and Marine Corps personnel and their eligible family members. In 2008, NMCRS Kings Bay raised $85,000 and disbursed $315,000.

"Financial education is very important to us," said Gail Tate, NMCRS Kings Bay director. "We don't just write checks. We help Sailors and Marines develop a plan to eliminate financial stress. With a little donation every month, it can add up to a lot over time. And, we want people to know we are here for them. Our plan with every customer is to have them leave us with a solution."

Tate said NMCRS suggests service members donate through automatic paycheck allotments, with junior enlisted contributing $4 per month, senior enlisted $6 and officers $10. Such a small sacrifice once a month would ensure the society is capable of providing interest-free loans and grants.

In 2008, the Kings Bay branch handled 421 financial assistance classes, and disbursed $281,118 in interest free loans $40,405 in grants.

This number includes $30,321 in Quick Assistance cases. Globally, NMCRS spent $42.7 million dollars in emergency aid. These are cases that involve food, shelter, vehicle repairs, emergency transportation, funerals and more.

NMCRS also handled 61,294 financial assistance cases. In a typical assistance case, a service member makes an appointment with NMCRS and comes in to complete a budget with a case worker. If it is determined that the service member cannot afford particular services or goods, all options are examined and advice is given.

In many cases, the relief society will determine that the service member or family needs financial assistance, which is provided in the form of an interest-free loan or monetary grant. Each case is carefully examined, and all facts are taken into consideration before financial help is given.

NMCRS command representative for Kings Bay, MA1 Frederick Jenkins, wants this year's program to get a good start with the fund-raiser meeting it's goal.

"This is a good cause, and I hope people give what they can," Jenkins said. "With tougher times, money is tighter, and the first thought people have is to not give. But, we hope that people want to help their shipmates who are in need. If you donate $4 a month it won't hurt your wallet. But it adds up over the year. I ask people to find their coordinator for information."

Jenkins is optimistic about this year's drive.

"Kings Bay is going to do well because I believe that people care about their shipmates in need," Jenkins said. "For information on how to donate, contact your department or command's coordinator. If everyone gives a couple dollars a month, we should be OK. You never know when a tragedy is going to hit, and you need a assistance. NMCRS is always willing to help."

Service members willing to contribute to NMCRS should contact their local command fund drive coordinator. For information on donating during the campaign drive, contact your coordinator or MA1 Frederick Jenkins at 573-8738.

Those service members or dependants who require financial assistance may call Kings Bay's NMCRS at 573-3928.