OPM director allows disaster relief fundraisers for Sandy

Federal departments and agencies can make special solicitations for Superstorm Sandy disaster relief fundraising efforts, according to a memo from Office of Personnel Management Director John Berry.

In the Nov. 2 missive to department heads, chief human capital officers and human resource directors, Berry said federal agencies are authorized for special solicitations outside the Combined Federal Campaign to help with the recovery effort following the “massive” devastation caused by Sandy. A special solicitation is a provision by which the OPM director can authorize collections outside the CFC for charitable organizations in the wake of natural disasters or emergencies.

“Special solicitations will allow federal, postal and military personnel to assist the disaster relief efforts with a one-time cash or check donation,” Berry wrote.

Agencies are responsible for choosing the charities to receive money from this special solicitation. Employees looking to help and fundraise for colleagues affected by the storm do not need authorization from the OPM or their department heads, Berry said.