The NMCRS is a long-standing, nonprofit, charitable organization that provides assistance to Sailors, Marines and their families during times of need.

‘‘Navy Marine Corps Relief Society is a force multiplier. Because our nation is at war we are asking a lot more of our Marines and Sailors and their families,” said Col. Jay Kennedy, director of the academy’s Division of Humanities and Social Sciences and the officer in charge of this year’s drive. ‘‘Knowing that the society is there to take care of their families while they are deployed gives our young warriors one less thing to worry about and enables them to focus more clearly on their mission.”

The drive is led internally by active duty volunteers stationed at the academy. Every year, sponsors from each department take donations assisting in the upkeep of this important program.

The theme of this year’s drive is ‘‘it takes all hands,” indicating the effort is about service members helping and depending on each other instead of working through hardship alone.

‘‘Every day we instinctively depend on the Sailor and Marine on our right and left,” said Kennedy. ‘‘We know that accomplishing our mission depends not on one individual but the efforts of everyone in the unit. For this year’s fund drive to be successful we are asking all our Marines and Sailors to contribute.”

In 2009, the NMCRS received $10.1 million in donations from active duty service members across the globe and $2.5 million from retired Sailors and Marines. In the same year, NMCRS assisted 91,418 Sailors, Marines and their families with financial support, up 17 percent from previous years. Additionally, NMCRS provided more than $47.4 million in interest-free loans and grants.

The NMCRS offers the Quick Assist Loan (QAL) program as an alternative to high interest loans from lenders that charge an average of 273 annual percentage rate. It is designed for Sailors and Marines who need help through payday. The QAL program accounted for nearly one-fourth of all the financial assistance provided last year.

Other resources offered are the Budget for Baby program, an informative class that also gives assembled layettes that include terry sleepers, handmade blankets, sheets and more; food lockers which provide families with essential items for nutritionally balanced meals when providing funds is not practical; and educational programs offering scholarship and no-interest loans.

Additionally, the program funds the Naval Support Activity Annapolis thrift shop, featuring small household goods and uniform pieces at a huge discount.

The Annapolis chapter of NMCRS is always looking for volunteers, and is always willing to lend a hand. For questions about the society or the drive, call the Annapolis NMCRS office at (410) 293-9220.