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DONGHAE, Republic of Korea – U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) kicked off the annual drive to raise money for Navy and Marine Corp Relief Society (NMCRS) on March 1.

Logistics Specialist 1st Class Nathan Grant, Blue Ridge’s NMCRS unit coordinator, said the committee has set the command’s goal this year to exceed the $47,677 donation made in 2011.

“We’ve had about a 55% participation rate on Blue Ridge, with some of the largest individual donations,” said Grant. “Overall, Blue Ridge does great with support on fundraising and I think we are fully capable of reaching that goal.”

NMCRS is a private, non-profit, volunteer and charitable organization whose mission is to provide financial, educational and other assistance to all active duty and retired Sailors, Marines and their eligible family members.

NMCRS offers budgeting services, financial planning for expecting parents, a visiting-nurse program and quick assist loans for emergencies.

Donations received from Sailors go directly back into the hands of fellow service members who need assistance.

Grant said, “As a donor, don’t donate because you’re being told to. Do it because later down the road you might need it.”