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Employee Appreciation Week relies on donations only

ITD employees
In honor of National State Employee Appreciation Day on May 6, ITD is kicking off State Employee Appreciation Week May 4-8 (Monday through Friday). This is a statewide event for all state employees to participate in. The goal of ITD’s events is to honor, recognize and appreciate all employees for their hard work, dedication and contributions throughout the year.

Questions have arisen from employees wondering where the money comes from and is it even appropriate this year given our country’s and our own state’s current economic situation.

The question has been asked: “Why are we spending money when our wages are possibly being cut?” First and foremost, Employee Appreciation Week is not funded with state monies. Funding for this event comes from our DoRolCo Fund, contributions from our Executive Team, and donations from businesses in the community. Donations are not in monetary form, rather gift baskets that can be raffled off, or utensils and plates for our meals.

Every district has an Employee Benefit Fund, and it is up to them to decide how to spend their money. Given our limited funds, the activities, prizes and food we are able to provide our employees is quite a feat when you consider the hundreds of employees who are included in these events!

The Employee Appreciation committee is very aware of the need to honor our employees while balancing our efforts with the economic concerns all of us are facing right now. We have done everything possible to make this a great program this year and have done so without one dime of state funds. The activities this year reflect our concern by providing relevant, practical items for our employees. It was the right thing to do, given the state of our economy.

Through donations and contributions, and of course hard work of all the volunteers, we are hoping that employees will participate in and be pleased with the Employee Appreciation Week.

Mary Harker
Human Resource Services Manager