State employee annual giving campaign begins Sept. 5

Sept. 1, 2017

SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. - When people show their generosity and kindness, hope takes root. That's why the theme of this year's Pennsylvania State Employee Combined Appeal is "Sow Compassion, Grow Hope." The annual charitable fundraising campaign for state employees, which includes employees at Slippery Rock University, kicks off Sept. 5.

During the eight-week campaign, which runs through Oct. 27, state employees are encouraged to donate to their choice of more than 1,000 charities that are registered with the Pennsylvania Department of State.

Mark O'Connor, SRU's classification and compliance manager who is serving as the University's SECA campaign coordinator, considers the campaign as a time for University employees to "put their best foot forward."

"Our campus is a very caring and giving campus," O'Connor said. "It's nice to see there are people who generously give and we encourage people who have the means to contribute."

Now in its 40th year, the SECA campaign's goal for all state agencies is $3,150,000. The 14 universities that comprise Pennsylvania's State System of Higher Education have set a goal of $231,000.

SRU employees have three methods by which to make a tax-deductible donation:

-Through a recurring payroll deduction, employees can have a small amount donated from their paycheck throughout a calendar year, starting with the first paycheck of 2018. The minimum donation is $1 per charity, per paycheck, making the minimum amount for the year $26. Deductions from previous years do not rollover, so they must be renewed annually.

-Employees can make a one-time payroll deduction occurring on the first pay of 2018.

-Employees can make a check out to SECA.

Employees can choose up to 10 charities when they complete their pledge form or enroll in the program through the state's online Employee Self-Service portal. The 1,000-plus charities, some of which can be designated within a specific county, participate in the SECA campaign under nine umbrella organizations that represent like-minded charities.

"We know there are many choices when it comes to giving," O'Connor said. "These are worthwhile agencies who have been carefully screened to make sure that the donations serve the purpose and the mission of the organization."

As part of the SECA campaign, there are two leadership giving levels, Gold Giver and Governor's Circle, where employees donate a half-hour (0.3 percent of salary) or hour (0.6 percent) of their monthly pay. Those that do will receive public recognition from the state.

For more information about the SECA campaign, as well as instructions on how to donate and a list of charities, visit www.seca.pa.gov. SRU employees who have additional questions about the campaign can contact O'Connor at: 724.738.2253.

MEDIA CONTACT: Justin Zackal | 724.738.4854 | justin.zackal@sru.edu