State employees set charitable giving record

The Missouri State Employees Charitable Campaign set a record in 2009, Gov. Jay Nixon's office announced a week before Christmas Day.

State workers pledged more than $1.25 million to more than 1,000 state and national charities, surpassing the $1.15 million raised in the 2008 campaign, according to a news release from Nixon's office.

"This year marks a quarter-century of the employee charitable campaign," Nixon said in the release. "Over that time, state employees have shown a generosity of spirit and willingness to help improve our communities. It is fitting that we share this good news during this season of giving."

Gov. Nixon and First Lady Georganne Wheeler Nixon delivered the news Dec. 18 while presenting ceremonial checks to recipient organizations at the Special Learning Center in Jefferson City.

Several southwest Missouri charities were included in the 2009 campaign, including the Breast Cancer Foundation of the Ozarks, Court Appointed Special Advocates of Southwest Missouri, Developmental Center of the Ozarks, Ozarks Food Harvest, Ozarks Literacy Council and the Ozarks Regional YMCA.

The Missouri State Employee Charitable Campaign kicked off in August, with state agencies sponsoring contests and other events to encourage participation, which is voluntary.[[In-content Ad]]