KAISERSLAUTERN, Germany — This year’s Combined Federal Campaign-Overseas program starts Monday for military members and federal employees, U.S. Army Europe officials announced this week.

The campaign runs through Nov. 16; donors can choose from more than 2,500 charities.

Contributors can also donate directly to family support and youth programs on the installation where the donor lives and works, a USAREUR news release said.

In 2010, USAREUR soldiers, families and civilian employees contributed about $2.2 million, with more than $91,000 designated for family support and youth programs, according to the release.

The Combined Federal Campaign-Overseas is the only authorized solicitation of Department of Defense military members and civilian employees stationed abroad on behalf of approved charities. The campaign is intended to reduce disruptions in the workplace by consolidating all approved solicitations into a single, annual, officially supported campaign, according to DOD guidance. The campaign, which includes the five unified combatant commands, raised nearly $14.3 million in 2011.

Donors can use the traditional paper pledge card or an automated option, called e-Giving. Payment options include payroll deduction, credit or debit cards and electronic checks.

Those eligible to participate in this year’s campaign include all U.S. government personnel serving overseas, military or civilian. DOD contractors and foreign nationals employed by the U.S. government may also give.

For more information on what charities contributors may donate to, or for more general information on the CFC-O program visit the official website.

Staff reports

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