The 2010 SECA (State Employee Combined Appeal) campaign, which will run from September through October, is aimed at combining the strength of all PA state employees to support a wide variety of charitable organizations.

The organizations you select to support will fill needs that range from helping families at risk to assisting those affected by cancer or natural disasters, to providing food, shelter, and clothing to the needy. In fact, some of our own university colleagues have been helped, and many others volunteer their time to these organizations.

When you give to the SECA campaign, you choose to contribute to local agencies, to national agencies, or even to international agencies. Because of the volunteer support and low administrative costs, 90 cents on every dollar of you contribute is sent directly to the agency or agencies of your choice. Giving through the SECA campaign allows your contribution to be put to work immediately.

Payroll deduction makes it easy to give in smaller increments that add up to a lot of relief for those in need now. Every little bit helps! Even $1 per paycheck, when combined with the total university community, grows into a significant contribution. Be a part of the help! And, remember that your entire donation is tax deductible.

This year, our BU goal is $40,000. But, just as important as the total amount received, we want to increase participation to 20 percent of the university community. So, contribute in some small way and be a part of the help.

History of SECA

SECA was established in 1977 as the only charitable campaign allowed by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in its offices statewide. This yearly drive in the fall means minimal workplace disruption and administrative costs. When state employees give through SECA, they are helping to improve the quality of life for ALL people.

SECA Agencies

BU's SECA campaign, together with the United Way of Columbia County, supports many agencies which includes the work of eight participating organizations and their member agencies.

• America's Charities
• Community Health Charities of Pennsylvania
• Wildlands Conservancy
• Christian Service Charities
• Independent Charities of America
• United Negro College Fund
• United Ways of Pennsylvania
• Global Impact

See the SECA Resource Guide for a listing of agencies and coding information.

Impact

More than 1,400 international, national, regional and local agencies are participating in the 2010 campaign. In the Bloomsburg area, these include the following agencies (the numbers indicates the SECA designation code):

• United Way of Columbia County (4303-0000)
• American Cancer Society - Bloomsburg chapter
  (write 4303-0000 and American Cancer Society on pledge form)
• American Red Cross - Bloomsburg chapter (4303-0013)
• Bloomsburg Area YMCA (4303-0003)
• Bloomsburg Children's Museum (4303-0018)
• Bloomsburg Public Library (4303-0016)
• Boy Scouts of America - Columbia/Montour Council (4303-0004)
• Camp Victory/Nicholas Wolff Foundation, Inc. (4303-0005)
• Columbia Child Development Program (4303-0006)
• Columbia/Montour Family Health, Inc. (4303-0007)
• EOS Therapeutic Riding Program (4303-0011)
• Girl Scouts of Penn's Woods (4303-0012)
• Mental Health Association of Central Susquehanna Valley (4303-0009
• Women's Center of Columbia/Montour, Inc. (4303-0015)

Weekly Prize Updates

Weekly winners will be drawn from all donors' completed pledge forms received by the end of the week. Once you submit your pledge, you will be eligible to win a prize. Participants will be eligible to win one time only. Thank you for your support, making a difference in other's lives and for making this a successful campaign!

Thank you to the following area businesses for donating employee incentive prizes. As always, we appreciate the support.

Aramark | B. Green Loft | Berrigan's Subs | Bloomin' Bagels
Burger King | Domino's | Giant | Linda Hill Bakery
BU Communications | Quaker Steak & Lube | Rita's Ice
Sheetz | Steph's Subs | The Inn at Turkey Hill | University Store