The annual Navy Marine Corp Relief Society (NMCRS) fund drive kicked off last week with a breakfast and special tribute to one of the volunteers who has served here at NAS Whidbey Island for over 16 years.

At the March 1 event, Evelyn Allieri, 92, was honored and thanked for her over 13,000 hours of volunteer service. She officially “retired” and was presented with a framed poster filled with memories of her volunteer years.

“Volunteering was the best thing I ever did,” said Allieri, as she stood looking out at everyone.

“Tuesdays won’t be the same without Evelyn,” said Elton Gifford, Director of NMCRS Whidbey Island who spoke for everyone in the room and all those she had assisted. “Evelyn is a wonderful person and a great American.”

NMCRS is a non-profit charitable organization that provides financial support to active duty and retired Sailors and Marines. NMCRS has 250 offices worldwide staffed by over 3,600 dedicated volunteers, mentored by a handful of paid employees.

Volunteers handled 1,138 financial cases in 2009 providing $615,118 to Sailors and Marines. $71,716 grants were awarded to those who needed them most. They also gave out 654 Quick Assist Loans (QAL).

The QAL is a program where service members can walk in and get a $300 zero-interest loan that can be paid back with 3-6 months. It is NMCRS’s answer to short-term financial needs.

In addition to financial assistance programs, Whidbey Island’s visiting nurse, Marcia Bogle, provides basic health assessments, newborn screenings, new-mother help and emotional support for combat wounded service members and their families. She served 509 patients in 2009.

NMCRS Whidbey Island also has a thrift shop and a Budget-for-Baby Program. The baby program provides service members with a spending plan to adjust for the additional costs of a new baby. Service members are given a “Junior Sea Bag” filled with items valued at over $60 that includes a layette and a beautiful baby blanket hand-made by volunteers.

Whidbey Island also operates a thrift shop with civilian clothes, household items and a huge assortment of active duty uniforms at greatly discounted prices. The shop brought in $52,922 last year and served over 7,914 customers.

“This year’s drive is not about people giving more, but about more people giving,” said Gifford. “This is the time to dig deep and help out your fellow military members, and maybe even yourself in the future.”

If you are in need of financial assistance or have questions, call (360) 257-2728 or drop by building 13 on the Seaplane Base.

Office hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Thrift Shop is open Tuesday and Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Uniform shopping hours are the same as office hours.