Last year, the State Employees Federated Appeal (SEFA) was tops in the nation in the amount of money it raised to benefit health and human services organizations, with state workers donating more than their counterparts in Texas and California.

SEFA officials are hopeful that New York state workers, who contributed $9.66 million to the cause last year, will be just as generous this time around.

“SEFA is a wonderful endeavor, a true partnership between labor and management to extend a helping hand to those in need,” said UUP President Phillip Smith. “At work, in our communities and through donations to SEFA, union members show that they care about their neighbors and want to help.”

Smith is serving as labor co-chair for the annual fund drive. Seven unions are taking part besides UUP, including the Civil Service Employees Union (CSEA) and the NYS Public Employees Federation (PEF).

Nearly 4,000 New York health care and human service agencies qualify to receive SEFA funds. Along with aiding those in crisis situations, SEFA dollars also go to social and community development programs, such as summer camps, after-school programs, home care for senior citizens, and those dealing with cancer, Alzheimer’s Disease, diabetes and heart disease. Employees can choose agencies to donate to through SEFA.

To donate, employees can fill out pledge cards they can obtain at work. The donations can be paid in full or automatically deducted from paychecks.

The campaign began on Sept. 1 and ends Dec. 31. Its slogan is “Together We Can! Make a pledge. Make a difference.” Smith is also featured in a video—shown at SEFA kickoff events statewide—about ways SEFA helps those who unexpectedly find themselves in need.

SEFA campaign kickoffs are being held across the state, with breakfasts, lunches and parties to announce the campaign to state employees. Agencies in each of the campaign’s 22 regions are also planning to hold larger events.

In September, Smith hosted the Capital Region’s SEFA kickoff event at Michael’s Banquet House in Latham.

“SEFA is a good cause that will help many who are in need,” Smith said.

For more information about SEFA, check out the organization’s Web site, at http://www.sefanys.org.

— Michael Lisi