At the beginning of my tenure as the Forest Service Combined Federal Campaign coordinator, I felt the 2023 CFC theme “Give Happy” strange, not befitting such a worthy cause. But over time, it grew on me as I began to feel the Give Happy vibe of working on the campaign. What does it look like when we Give Happy?

It is a hoop, a circle, a continuum of actions and feelings. The other volunteers and I worked to ensure that Forest Service employees were aware of the campaign and how to give. We were happy in the service of others. Each time we received an update of the donation totals we were happy because we could see the efforts of our work.

As we sent out the cause of the week CFC messages, we could feel the need of others who count on CFC charities for help and support. As I roamed through the list of thousands of charities, I could sense that each was hopeful that through our generosity they could continue to serve those in need. They felt  happy knowing our donations were on the way.

But let us not forget who we did this for—people, our veterans, communities, animals, the environment. Whether you chose to give to end poverty or improve food and nutrition or assist those recovering from a disaster, you can be happy in knowing you helped change the destiny of others and our planet.

The charities you support are happy and grateful they can continue their missions to assist those in need or in their efforts to “heal” our environment and honor Mother Earth. The people and communities receiving help in their time of need are happy not to be forgotten and to have somewhere to go to get help. Together, we joined these charities and those in need as we all move forward with renewed hope for the future.

Together, Forest Service employees Gave Happy to the total of $329,376 in donations and volunteer hours. Thank you!!

Since this is a circle of hope, let us meet again for the 2024 CFC and continue to demonstrate our generosity. No matter what the new theme is, remember the Give Happy spirit.