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State charitable giving campaign kicks off

Disasters don’t keep schedules. They don’t respect geographic boundaries. They don’t care about budgets. And they cannot be solved with sympathy alone.

Whether it’s hurricanes in the Gulf Coast, flooding in New England, tropical storms in Central America or an earthquake in Pakistan, generosity of the more fortunate is needed to help victims rebuild their lives.

While few ITD employees have the opportunity to respond to disasters firsthand, all can help by providing much-needed resources. The annual Idaho Charitable Giving Campaign, this year called “United We Care 2005” serves as a vehicle to help those stricken by disaster.

Gov. Dirk Kempthorne formally kicked off the campaign earlier this month and encourages state employees to participate as their resources permit.

“The recent devastation from Hurricane Katrina has all Americans opening their
hearts and their means to those who are in need,” Kempthorne says. “Idaho state employees exemplify compassion and caring in their public service, and this extends beyond the workplace through the generous contributions they make in their communities.

“Last year, state employees contributed more than $275,000 to worthy causes that help serve those in need. I am proud to work with people who exhibit such a tremendous spirit of giving. Again this fall, you have the opportunity to contribute to the annual State Employees Charitable Giving Campaign…

“I encourage all of you to participate in this year’s campaign, ‘United We Care.’ Your contributions make a difference for countless friends and neighbors in our communities.
Thank you for all your efforts on behalf of Idaho and its citizens.”

Organizers of the state campaign have simplified and streamlined the pledge to one page. Employees may retrieve the form from the official Web site (http://www.unitedwecare.idaho.gov/ , fill it out and return the pledge to their respective ITD coordinator. The streamlined process is designed to ensure that more of each contribution is applied to those who need assistance.

The Governor’s Silver Leadership Team will honor state employees who donate one-half percent of their earnings, and the Governor’s Gold Leadership Team will be awarded those who give at one percent.

Pledges to the 2005 United We Care employees’ charitable giving campaign can be designated to specific charitable organizations. A booklet listing qualifying agencies or groups is available at the campaign’s Web site: http://www.unitedwecare.idaho.gov/

Please share willingly and generously.

Explore the unique ways you can give through ITD.