The Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society (NMCRS) wrapped up its annual fundraiser at U.S. Naval Base Guam's (NBG) chapel with a luncheon and announced it raised over $145,000 this year.

Awards were also presented to thank the 80 unit representatives and volunteers who participated in motivating Sailors and Marines to contribute to the cause.

NMCRS, an organization which began in 1904, was established by several naval officers, wives of naval officers and civilian friends who saw the need for a formal service that would provide assistance to Sailors and Marines during an unexpected time of financial burden.

Karen Fahland, director of NMCRS on Guam, said 28 commands donated to the Guam Active-Duty Fund Drive that can be used for educational assistance, emergency travel, post-combat treatment and other services to members of the Navy, Marine Corps and their families, as well as widows and survivors. The donated money is distributed to qualifying individuals in the form of an interest free loan or grant.

According to their website, the society's main goal is to help each person requesting assistance get support for their immediate needs. Last year, the Guam regional office aided over 500 clients with monetary support. Their long-term mission is to help Sailors and Marines become financially self-sufficient by learning how to better manage their personal finances and prepare for unplanned expenses.

"The Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society is all about Sailors taking care of other Sailors and their families," said Capt. Hans Sholley, NBG commanding officer. "NMCRS is an organization that solely exists to help our shipmates in challenging situations by providing assistance and support to help get them back on course."

Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Charles Nallie, from Columbus, Ohio, most received help from NMCRS last December when he needed to purchase a plane ticket home after hearing his grandmother who raised him was terminally ill. Nallie walked out of the NCMRS office with a $500 check in hand, the same day he requested it, and was able to book his travel right away.

Prior to that, Nallie found himself overwhelmed by the expenses he incurred in relocating to Guam from his previous command in July 2016. As he struggled to get established, his vehicle began to malfunction and he did not have the funds necessary to address the issue. Nallie reached out to NMCRS for a loan to pay for a vehicle repair requiring immediate attention, and they provided all the necessary resources to cover the expense.

Nallie has donated to the organization through volunteer hours and financial contributions during his nearly five years of service strongly encourages others do the same.

"Your time and money is not wasted, and it can really be a blessing for those who need a little extra help," Nallie said. "For those who don't donate or volunteer, I would ask that they do. You never know when you will need assistance or when life will throw a curveball at you."

Additionally, Army personnel and their dependents stationed at NBG can apply for assistance by visiting the NMCRS office located at 39 Hibiscus Avenue Bldg. 472, Monday through Friday between the hours of 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

"We work with the Army Emergency Relief, or the AER organization, a sister program to NMCRS and can help Soldiers initiate a request for support," said Pamela Moore, a naval spouse and NMCRS volunteer.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 671-564-1880.

For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy.

For more news from U.S. Naval Forces, Marianas, visit www.navy.mil/.