RALEIGH, (SGRToday.com) - More than 18,000 state employees showed the concern for the community last year by donating nearly $3.8 million to the State Employees Combined Campaign. The achievement was recognized at a reception this week.

Neal Alexander, director of the Office of State Human Resources, has been appointed by Gov. Pat McCrory to serve as the state chair of the campaign this year. Secretary Donald van der Vaart from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources will serve as the vice-chair.

 
“Thanks to the tireless efforts of volunteers and the generous spirit of state employees, we’re close to reaching a milestone this year,” said Alexander in a statement "Since 1985, the SECC has raised more than $99 million to support charities serving North Carolinians. In 2015, we fully expect to surpass $100 million in an ongoing effort to improve and strengthen our communities.”

As the only charitable campaign permitted in the state workplace, the SECC provides state employees the opportunity to plan and pay for contributions to over 1,000 charities in North Carolina through their payroll deductions.