Colleagues,

First, thank you for generously donating to the 2022 Combined Federal Campaign. To date, USDA has pledged over $1.2 million. The CFC “You Can Be The Face of Change” Campaign runs through January 14, so we still have a few more days to make a bigger impact. I am often reminded of a quote by Mother Teresa when I think about the impact that giving has on change. 

"I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples." 

If you haven’t already pledged, start your new year off with a gift that will keep on giving all year long – a recurring payroll deduction – and be the face of change. 

Like us, you probably felt a few special moments to be thankful for during this holiday season – for family, friends, memories, new achievements, and many other reasons. It is in the spirit of those precious moments that we ask you to consider contributing a pledge or volunteer hours to the CFC. 

One easy way to pledge is through the online portal. It’s a comprehensive and quick, flexible and secure way to make a difference. With our gifts, we can help an individual we may never meet or a community we may never visit, and they will feel our impact for years to come. If you gave last year, your account is already set up to renew your previous pledge easily. If you’re able, consider increasing your monetary gift, or supplementing it with a pledge of volunteer time. 

What we find truly inspiring is that the reach of the CFC goes beyond helping individuals and communities – it can touch lives within our own federal community. We’ve had the pleasure to hear about our coworkers who foster animals, tutor underprivileged youths, help veterans enter the civilian workforce, and volunteer at their local food pantry. You each have inspired us in your own ways, and you each represent the face of change through the caring CFC community – one we are very proud to be a part of.

In these last days of the campaign, we are looking to show the strength of the federal community and make the greatest impact possible. Some people might say it takes an extraordinary person to care enough to give, but it’s more common than you think, and it’s easy! Anyone can be a changemaker through the CFC.

Your actions today empower a world of change tomorrow. Pledge your gift by visiting GiveCFC.org. 

Thank you for being the face of change USDA! 

With much appreciation,

Secretary Thomas J. Vilsack and Deputy Secretary Jewel Bronaugh

See this and other announcements on OneUSDA Intranet