Quantico set a goal to reach $180,000 in donations before the drive concludes.

‘‘Our fund drive success is dependent on your personal commitment and involvement,” Base Commander Col. Charles A. Dallachie said to unit NMCRS representatives assembled at Little Hall Feb. 27. ‘‘Every Marine and sailor in each organization needs to be reminded of the great service the NMCRS provides. They need to understand the society’s reliance on financial contributions from Marines and sailors and be informed of their opportunity to donate to the society this year.”

The NMCRS was established in 1904 to provide financial, educational and other assistance to member of the Naval Services and their eligible family members when in need. Every spring the NMCRS raises money from contributions from around the world. The local NMCRS office provides support to all Marines and sailors at Quantico, regardless of the Marine Corps or Navy command to which they are assigned.

In 2007, $43,608,852 in loans, grants and educational expenses were provided overall, according to the Quantico NMCRS Web site. of thatm, $469,649 went to Marines and sailors aboard Quantico, according to the site.

NMCRS can also provide newborn care packages to new parents, budget counseling to Marines and sailors, and visitations by nurses to work with Wounded Warriors and their family members.

‘‘The key to success is an early, strong commitment,” Dallachie said. ‘‘Our Navy and Marine Corps families deserve nothing less.”

To donate to the society, contact your unit representative.

The 2008 Quantico NMCRS Active Duty Fund Drive coordinator is Chief Warrant Officer 2 Christopher L. Silverman. To contact him for more information, call (703) 784-4330 or e-mail him at Christopher.Silverma@usmc.mil.

All donated funds go to Quantico service members in need. The trained caseworkers here are familiar with the special conditions of service life. They have a realistic understanding of the potential hardships facing service members and their families.

To receive aid from the society, service members may apply for assistance at any NMCR office or at their sister military relief agencies, such as the Air Force Aid Society, Army Emergency Relief, or the Coast Guard Mutual Assistance. If immediate needs occur after hours, or if service member is not near a military facility, he can contact the nearest American Red Cross chapter to request NMCRS assistance.

When applying for assistance, individuals will need to bring their military identification card, a leave and earnings statement, and information on indebtedness.

To contact the Quantico chapter of the NMCRS, e-mail Presha Merritt at presha.merritt@nmcrs.org or call (703) 784-9754.