The 2011 Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society (NMCRS) fund drive kicked off at Naval Station Everett (NSE) March 2.

The NMCRS was founded in 1904. It is a private, non-profit charitable organization sponsored by the Department of the Navy. Their mission is to provide financial, educational, and other assistance to Sailors, Marines, and their eligible family members and survivors when in need.

“Each of us, in some way, has at some time benefited from the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society,” said Capt. Michael Coury, NSE Commanding Officer. “Through their efforts and partnerships, they offer assistance to those who need it and a safety net our families can depend on, because we all need a little extra help now and then.”

With the help of enthusiastic tenant command representatives, the annual find drive generates many donations to benefit the local NMCRS.

“The job of the Command REP is key to the overall success of the fund drive,” said Chief Gunner’s Mate (SW) Gabino Barrera, Center for Surface Combat Systems Detachment Pacific Northwest. “They are the driving force on the front end, educating Sailors and Marines on the importance of NMCRS and what their money goes toward.”

In 2010, the Navy-Marine Corps office at NSE supported 1,054 cases and provided a total of $545,000 in financial assistance.

“By giving to the annual fund drive, your contribution goes directly to help take care of our own, with programs that help Sailors with things like obtaining interest-free loans, granting education scholarships or providing Combat Casualty Assistance services,” said Coury.

This year’s fund drive goal is not only to raise money, but also to educate.

“I know that we would like everyone to donate, but the truth of the matter is there are those that can’t,” said Barrera. “This year’s goal is to make 100 percent contact, educating Sailors and Marines on the importance of the drive and the importance of giving what they can to the drive.”

The NMCRS operates solely on donations.  They can provide interest-free loans and grants in emergency situations such as car repairs, transportation, funeral costs, and other unexpected expenses. For educational purposes they offer scholarships and interest free loans. They also offer financial counseling, budgeting for baby workshops, a thrift store, and visiting nurses services. The fundraiser will end April 15.

For more information, contact Andy Leech, director, NMCRS Everett, at .