The Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society (NMCRS) kicked off its annual fund drive at Naval Station Everett, Feb. 23.

Rear Adm. Mark Guadagnini, commander, Carrier Strike Group 9 began the presentation. “This is my favorite cause because it helps our Sailors and Marines serving in the United States Navy,” said Guadagnini.

The fund drive begins March 1 and ends April 16. During this time service members will have the opportunity to sign up for an allotment of $5 a month that will span from June 2010 to May 2011.

Last year, Everett’s fund drive contribution was $138,519.

Afloat Training Group Pacific Northwest’s (ATGPNW) Chief Boatswain’s Mate Kevin Smith is the regional coordinator for the fund drive.

“I think participating in the program is worth it,” said Smith. “I’ve received help and this is my way of paying them back.”

The NMCRS’s mission is to provide — in partnership with the Navy and Marine Corps — financial, educational, and other assistance to members of the Naval Service of the United States, their eligible family members and survivors, when in need; and to manage funds to administer these programs.

“We would like people to make NMCRS their first resource for aid,” said Robert Leech, NMCRS, Everett Branch.

“The NMCRS is an organization for our Sailors and Marines, and about our Sailors and Marines,” said ATGPNW’s Cmdr. Kimberly Miller.

Founded in 1904, NMCRS is a private, non-profit, charitable organization that exists solely to support the active and retired communities of the naval services including the children, spouses and widows of our Sailors and Marines.

The Everett Office was established Dec. 5, 1941 in Seattle and moved to Naval Station Everett June 1, 1994.