As stewards of our nation's forests and grasslands, we embody a spirit of service that extends beyond our daily work. I recently shared with you about the devastating impacts of Hurricane Helene and encouraged you all to get involved through USAGov’s How to help survivors after a disaster. As an agency, we are proud of the service we provide the American public. With that in mind, I'm excited to announce the Forest Service's participation in this year's Combined Federal Campaign. This initiative offers us a powerful opportunity to broaden our impact and live our motto of caring for the land and serving people. 

Building on the momentum from USDA's announcement, we continue the inspiring theme of "Give Happy" through CFC. Since its inception, this program has raised over $8.7 billion for charitable causes, demonstrating the incredible potential of federal employees united in generosity. Last year, Forest Service employees pledged $329,376. This year, we're setting an ambitious new goal of $350,000 for 2024-2025. The campaign runs from Oct. 1, 2024, to Jan. 15, 2025. 

Our commitment to service is at the heart of the Forest Service mission. Just as we protect and nurture our forests, CFC allows us to nurture communities and support causes that align with our values. Your contributions, no matter the size, create ripples of positive change that extend far beyond our forests. For more information on CFC and its efforts, visit GiveCFC.org. 

Our Chief Financial Officer Deputy Area will lead this year's campaign, supported by a dedicated team of volunteers across all regions and stations. To ensure the success of this campaign, we need your help. 

Through CFC, we have the power to nurture communities, support vital causes and create positive change on a national scale. Let's come together to demonstrate the Forest Service's unwavering commitment to service and make a lasting difference in the lives of others. 

Thank you for your dedication to our mission and for considering this opportunity to expand your impact through the Combined Federal Campaign. Together, let's build on the enthusiasm generated by the USDA video and make this year's CFC our most impactful yet.

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