Pendleton's NMCRS kicks off annual fund drive designed to aid military families with financial hardships

For more than a century, it has been the Navy Marine Corps Relief Society’s (NMCRS) mission to aid Marines and sailors with their financial hardships.

Camp Pendleton’s NMCRS is kicking off their annual fund drive beginning April 1 through 30 to encourage service members to contribute donations to help their fellow brothers-in-arms.

“Our goal for this year is to make sure every Marine and sailor knows about the fund drive and our program,” said Michael Hire, director, NMCRS, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton. “It’s important to provide education so that everyone knows what we’re here to do.”

The non-profit organization assists active duty and retired Marines, sailors and their families with interest-free loans and grants when they are in need of financial aid.

Last year, Camp Pendleton’s assistance added more than $5 million to the overall NMCRS funding.

“We’re always looking for improvement,” said Hire. “Our goal is to get 100 percent participation, but of course every donation helps to keep our program alive.”

According to the NMCRS mission statement, the relief society’s goal is to provide financial, educational and other assistance to those in need. The program relies solely on outside support and donations, so contributions are imperative to keep the program going.

If every Marine and sailor donates just 10 dollars a month for one year, the campaign could potentially generate $128 million. In 2010, NMCRS gave $49.9 million in financial assistance to nearly 100,000 active duty and retired Marines, sailors and their families.

“It’s reassuring to have such a great program like (NMCRS),” said Cpl. Joe Cobian, administrative clerk, Headquarters and Support Battalion, MCB Camp Pendleton. “It’s good to know that if I was ever in a financial emergency and I really needed help, NMCRS is here to assist us in focusing on the mission and not our financial difficulties.”

For additional information or to learn how you can contribute to NMCRS, log onto http://www.nmcrs.org or call Camp Pendleton’s local NMCRS office at (760) 725-5337.

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