MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, Va. -- The last day to donate to the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society 2014 Active Duty Fund Drive is April 30, 2014.
The NMCRS provides financial assistance and education, as well as other programs and services, to members of the Navy and Marine Corps, their eligible family members, widows and survivors, according to NMCRS literature.
So far, Marine Corps Base Quantico has raised $44,400, and the goal is $200,000. Thirty-five units, of the 48 that can donate, have not turned in any donations.
“Most commands tend to wait until the very end, once they have contacted everybody, and then they hand in a lump sum,” said Capt. Casey Minnick, the Marine Corps Base Quantico NMCRS representative.
There are several ways that a Marine can donate. The NMCRS unit representative can answer any questions concerning donations, and can provide a slip that shows the different ways to donate.
“Active duty can donate via monthly payroll allotment, check, cash, MarineOnline or credit card for a one-time allotment or monthly allotment,” said Minnick.
If a Marine decides to donate through MOL, they can click on the resources tab at the top of the page, and then click on the NMCRS tab and go into the different options. If a Marine has already chosen not to donate on MOL but later changes his mind, he will have to donate using a different option.
The unit representatives are responsible for contacting every person in their command and give them a donation slip, an NMCRS information brochure and an information card. They are responsible for making sure everyone has an opportunity to donate.
All donations go straight to the NMCRS and provide interest-free loans and grants for sailors and Marines who experience emergency, unexpected financial needs and undergraduate education. They also provide financial education, Budget for Baby workshops that help expectant parents and free in-home visits by registered nurses to the homes of Marines, sailors and family members who have been affected by combat or are eligible for assistance with health issues and health concerns, according to the NMCRS brochure.
For information, contact your unit representative or call 703-784-9754.
Correspondent: sarah.a.garcia@usmc.mil