Command representatives recently gathered at Naval Station Everett to prepare for this year’s annual Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society (NMCRS) fund drive.

The fund drive began March 1 and will run through March 31. This year’s goal is to exceed last year’s fundraiser results of $234,975.

“A goal of the fund drive is to increase the awareness of Sailors, Marines and their families about the availability of assistance from the NMCRS,” said Andy Leech, director of NMCRS Everett.

The NMCRS has been helping Sailors, Marines and their families for 105 years and now has 250 offices ashore and afloat at Navy and Marine Corps bases throughout the world. 

Services offered include interest-free loans or grants to deal with emergency needs, education loans and grants, and lifetime benefits information assistance. 

NMCRS can also help Sailors establish a budget, has food lockers, thrift shops, visiting nurse services and a layette program for new mothers. 

“The bottom line is that everyone needs to be educated on what NMCRS can do for them and their shipmates,” said Capt. Michael Kidd, commander of Navy Region Northwest, Reserve Component Command. 

“The biggest items people need help with is basic living expenses — food, rent and utilities. Nearly 48 percent of our assistance goes to help cover these things,” said Leech.

The Everett NMCRS includes a full service site at Smokey Point and a small satellite office at NAVSTA Everett where Leech comes for appointments.  This past year the Everett site has assisted 835 clients with $432,333 in interest free loans, $41,521 in grants and 216 quick assist loans.

Sailors can contribute to the NMCRS at a command level through their NMCRS fundraiser coordinator. They may give a one-time donation or may set up a monthly allotment.

“When you make a contribution for the purpose of helping a fellow Sailor or Marine 100 percent of that money goes to that purpose,” said Leech.

NMCRS also heavily depends on the more than 3,600 volunteers that give their time to help the not-for-profit organization accomplish its mission.