rewrite this title Environmental Factor – June 2020: NIEHS, federal employees unite for charities affected by COVID-19

Summarize this content to 1000 words NIEHS scientists and staff, together with others from across the federal government, are raising funds for thousands of charities experiencing sharp declines in donations due to the COVID-19 pandemic. These efforts are led by the Office of Personnel Management using the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC). ‘It is quick, easy, and together we can make a difference,” Woychik said of the CFC campaign. (Photo courtesy of Steve McCaw)“I’ve received countless messages from our staff since this pandemic began, asking how we at the institute can help those in need,” said NIEHS Acting Director Rick Woychik, Ph.D. “Now through CFC, we have the perfect opportunity to do exactly that.”The CFC mission since 1956 has been to support philanthropy through an employee-focused program that is cost-efficient and provides all federal workers the chance to improve life for all.Historically, the CFC donation window closes during the holiday season. This time, employees have through June 30 to donate funds via check, credit card, or payroll deduction to any one of more than 6,000 approved charities worldwide.“Over the past 58 years, the federal community has generously contributed more than $8.4 billion to the CFC,” said U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson, M.D., in a special YouTube message. “Now is our time to continue doing what we do best — caring for the communities around us and abroad by giving one or more of the 6,000 approved CFC charities your donation.”Carson’s comments were echoed by National Institutes of Health (NIH) Director Francis Collins, M.D., Ph.D. He encouraged all NIH employees who are able to contribute to the cause.“Charities need our help now more than ever,” said Collins. “Many people are going through serious challenges because of COVID-19, and many of the CFC charities are organized to help.”Federal employees who want more information about how to get involved in this special solicitation are encouraged to visit the CFC webpage on the Office of Personnel Management website.(Ian Thomas is a public affairs specialist with the Office of Communications and Public Liaison and a regular contributor to the Environmental Factor.)

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