Even though the weather is turning colder and the leaves are beginning to fall, there is still plenty of time for UUP members to contribute to the annual State Employees Federated Appeal (SEFA).

This year’s campaign — “Change a Life. Change a Neighborhood. Change the World” — kicked off Sept. 1 and is expected to raise $10 million in charitable contributions.

“SEFA is a true labor/management partnership,” said UUP President William Scheuerman, labor chair for the 2008 campaign. “It shows how employees, managers and unions work together to lend a helping hand.”

SEFA offers state employees the chance to give back to the community through pledges and payroll deductions. Some services that qualify to receive SEFA donations include health care organizations, environmental programs and after-school activities. Last year’s donations hit $9.6 million.

New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS) Commissioner Karen M. Carpenter-Palumbo will be working closely with Scheuerman as Gov. Eliot Spitzer’s newly appointed management chair for SEFA.

“I look forward to working with the OASAS commissioner and serving as SEFA co-chair,” Scheuerman said.

UUP members who wish to donate to SEFA can use pledge cards distributed at their workplaces. Donations can either be deducted from individual paychecks every two weeks, or can be made in a lump-sum at the end of the year. Contributors are also reminded that they can choose their favorite charities, or allow SEFA to distribute the funds as needed.

For more information, contact a SEFA regional office or go to www.sefa.state.ny.us.

— Lindsey Hollenbaugh