Direct Line

Virginia Imlah, NASSIG Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society Director

The Active Duty Fund Drive motto is “By Our OwnFor Our Own.” One of the main purposes of this drive is to provide service members with an opportunity to donate funds that will be used to assist their fellow Sailors or Marines in times of need. Contributions to the Active Duty Fund Drive directly support the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society’s (NMCRS) mission of providing financial, educational, and other assistance to Sailors and Marines and their families.

NMCRS has locations around the world as well as a partnership with the American Red Cross. This allows service members to request and receive assistance whenever and wherever it is needed. NMCRS is a nonprofit, charitable organization that does not receive any government funds. NMCRS relies on donated funds in order to be able to provide its programs and services. One of the biggest sources of fundraising is the annual Active Duty Fund Drive, which is now underway.

NMCRS was established in 1904 and has adapted to meet emerging needs since its founding. This past year was challenging for many service members and their families due to COVID-19. In 2020, NMCRS developed a new COVID-19 Rapid Response Loan and provided over $3 million dollars in assistance related to the pandemic. Many of these requests were due to a loss of income or unexpected expenses caused by stop movement orders, Restriction of Movement, or virtual learning expenses.

Each year, NMCRS is standing by to help with disaster relief assistance. This past year, NMCRS provided assistance following the fire onboard the USS Bonhomme Richard as well as during the hurricane and wildfire seasons.

Aside from raising funds, another goal of the fund drive is to educate active duty service members about NMCRS programs and services to ensure that Sailors and Marines know what resources are available to them. NMCRS provides financial assistance in the form of interestfree loans and grants for a wide variety of needs such as basic living expenses, emergency travel, or car repairs. NMCRS also offers personal budget counseling as well as monthly Budget for Baby® workshops to help clients better manage their finances.

The Budget for Baby® Program recently transitioned from in-person workshops to a virtual delivery method. New or expecting parents can now attend the class via their smartphone or personal computer and learn how to create a budget to prepare for the expenses that come along with having a child. Eligible attendees receive a $50 Amazon gift card and handmade baby blanket as a gift for participating in the workshop.

In 2020, the Education Assistance Program provided 158 grants or interest-free loans to help eligible applicants pay for undergraduate or graduate school expenses. NMCRS plans to expand the program this year and is currently accepting applications for financial assistance for the upcoming 2021-2022 academic school year.

But that’s not all! Many NMCRS locations, including NAS Sigonella, have a thrift store where service members and their families can shop and save money on purchases such as used uniforms, clothing, and other household items. The Visiting Nurse Program offers free inhome visits or telehealth visits by registered nurses to provide health and wellness information, resources, and education.

Contributions to the Active Duty Fund Drive directly support the programs and services provided by NMCRS to our local community. NAS Sigonella has a longstanding history of generously giving to the Active Duty Fund Drive. Please contact your command’s Key Person for more information on how to donate. On behalf of NMCRS, thank you for your continued support.