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Shipmates Help Shipmates Through NDW Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society Fund Drive
Story Number: NNS130419-10
4/19/2013

By Patrick Gordon, Naval District Washington Public Affairs

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- Naval District Washington (NDW) is helping its Sailors and Marines provide assistance to their fellow service members during the 2013 Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society (NMCRS) fund drive.

The drive, launched March 18, continues through April 26 and aims to ensure every Sailor and Marine has the opportunity to learn about and support the programs and services offered through the NMCRS.

"Here in Naval District Washington, and throughout the Department of the Navy, our Sailors and Marines know that in their time of need they can count on their shipmates to see them through," said Rear Adm. Patrick Lorge, commandant of Naval District Washington. "The Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society is a perfect example of that helping spirit, offering assistance to our service members through the combined efforts and donations of our personnel. I applaud all who donate their time and resources to this year's fund drive and the continued support of the NMCRS."

Since 1904, the mission of NMCRS has been to provide, in partnership with the Navy and Marine Corps, financial, educational, and other assistance to members of the naval services of the United States, eligible family members, and survivors when in need. The society provides need-based financial assistance to eligible recipients in the form of interest-free loans and grants, as well as scholarships and interest-free loans for education. NMCRS also offers financial counseling, thrift shops, and visiting nurse services. In 2012, nearly 64,000 active duty and retired Sailors, Marines and their families turned to NMCRS, which provided nearly $49 million in financial assistance.

"Whether a family needs support to recover from a natural disaster such as Hurricane Sandy or a young couple needs help with diapers and formula for a newborn, NMCRS is here to provide 24/7 support," said Lt. Cmdr. Terry Grigsby, regional assistant NMCRS 2013 campaign coordinator. "These vital loans, grants and services rely on contributions from the fund drive. In fact, contributions cover about 32 percent of the society's annual expenses. Individuals who can contribute even a little bit to the fund drive make a difference, especially when those contributions are compounded. Unexpected emergencies occur and the NMCRS fund drive provides Sailors and Marines an opportunity to help and support one another in times of need."

Grigsby added that the NMCRS annual fund drive is an important part of the organization's year, raising not only funds, but awareness of NMCRS as well. Events planned throughout region have already brought scores of donations, with more expected. The region held a kick off event for the NMCRS fund drive March 14, attended by Lorge. Sailors at Naval Support Activity Annapolis have been handing out campaign and donation material to service members throughout the fund drive. The Bethesda Navy Exchange (NEX), along with other NEX's worldwide, is offering a NEX-redeemable discount coupon for a $5 NMCRS donation, with all proceeds going to NMCRS. And the Navy Band will be hosting a silent auction, open to the public, to benefit the NMCRS on the Washington Navy Yard.

Grigsby said that the NMCRS fund drive, and all the services offered by the organization, highlights the sense of unity among Sailors and Marines when one is in need.

"Regardless of pay grade or title, Sailors and Marines are taking care of their own," said Grigsby. "There is something very powerful and motivating about unselfish acts of good. To see folks get excited about developing creative ways to support the fund drive or ask about how to volunteer time to the society has certainly been a highlight of the program for me. NMCRS is a source of care and support for our extended military family and it is encouraging to see that so many people want to get involved."

For more information on the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society and how to donate visit www.nmcrsfunddrive.org.

For more news from Naval District Washington, visit www.navy.mil/local/ndw/.