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CAMP FOSTER, Japan — The Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society Okinawa this year broke the NMCRS Okinawa record for donations as part of a single drive during their annual Active Duty Fund Drive conducted here from March 22 through May 31.
The NMCRS is a non-profit organization known for helping Marines and sailors with everyday life problems, offering a variety of programs from loans to financial management classes. The relief society also helps with unexpected emergencies requiring financial assistance. The purpose of the ADFD was to create funds to support such programs.
The NMCRS Okinawa received over $463,000 in donations during the drive. 1st Marine Aircraft Wing donated the most, with over $122,000 collected.
They achieved this record number by the hard work of all involved, said Kristin Stephens, the director of NMCRS Okinawa.
“We have been really putting our name out there more than what we used to,” said Stephens.
The NMCRS Okinawa increased awareness during this year’s drive by having a weekly spot on the American Forces Network and by placing posters all over the bases, said Stephens.
“It’s primarily a reflection of what our coordinator did. This year our coordinator, Lt. Col. Bryan C. Corcoran, really went above and beyond,” she said.
The money from the drive will go to creating and improving classes and services, said Stephens.
“The donations from the drive will (improve) services by hiring more staff to make the programs much smoother,” said Master Sgt. Armando Quintanilla, the assistant coordinator for the drive.
An additional goal for the donations from the ADFD is to improve customer service, so service members leave happy and continue to use NMCRS.
All active-duty or retired Marines and sailors are eligible for all services the NMCRS provides, said Stephens.
This year, NMCRS Okinawa has helped 285 Marines and sailors attain financial assistance or non-financial assistance. They have also loaned $17,981 to Marines and sailors needing educational loans.
“Even though the actual drive is over, the NMCRS is still accepting donations as they do year round,” said Stephens. “Volunteers are always needed for a variety of jobs, typically receptionists and caseworkers.”
So far, the Okinawa branch of NMCRS is in the top five donations recipients worldwide, said Stephens.
The coordinators of the ADFD are scheduled to receive an award July 7, said Stephens.
For more information on the program or to find out how to get involved call the NMCRS at 645-7808 or visit www.nmcrs.org.
| Date Taken: | 05.31.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 06.16.2011 19:58 |
| Story ID: | 72221 |
| Location: | CAMP FOSTER, OKINAWA, JP |
| Web Views: | 75 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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