Gov. Heineman Thanks State Employees for
Making 2008 Charitable Giving Campaign a Success

(Lincoln, Neb.) Gov. Dave Heineman today highlighted the charitable contributions made by state government employees in 2008. This year, 2,847 workers contributed to the Nebraska State Employees Charitable Giving campaign, which raised over $348,000 for charities across the state.

Total contributions increased nearly 20 percent over 2007 with an additional 413 employees giving to the campaign. Last year, State of Nebraska workers donated roughly five percent of all funds received by Nebraska’s United Way groups.

“As we celebrate the season of giving, I want to thank our employees for the generosity they have shown to their fellow citizens this year,” Gov. Heineman said. “This campaign provides a convenient way for state workers to support hundreds of charitable groups serving Nebraskans in all corners of our state. It allows their contributions to make a difference all year long.”

Participating employees can make a cash or check donation or set aside a portion of their earnings to benefit more than 400 organizations across Nebraska.

Employees have the option of supporting one of 19 local United Way chapters and local partners, giving to one of the 28 non-profit groups registered with the Community Services Fund, or directing their contribution to one the 25 health-related groups affiliated with the Community Health Charities of Nebraska.

Contributions have helped agencies assist individuals and families impacted by severe storms and natural disasters, provided education and support to Nebraskans with chronic illnesses, supported public radio and television, and helped make youth sports and other development programs available in Nebraska communities.

The annual charitable giving campaign is one of the outreach efforts organized for state employees by the Department of Administrative Services Personnel Division in partnership with Nebraska non-profit groups. In April, state offices in Lincoln collected food and cash contributions to benefit the Food Bank of Lincoln. The State Campaign Against Hunger raised nearly $18,000 in cash donations and more than 20,000 pounds of food.