December 5, 2008 — University of Virginia employees still have time to show their support for their favorite charities (and possibly receive a tax deduction) by participating in the 2008 Commonwealth of Virginia Campaign. This year, with needs greater than ever, every gift is vital.

"We're all experiencing the struggling economy. There are many in our community who have been devastated by the downturn," Jim Fitzgerald, chairman of U.Va.'s campaign, said. "If we all pledge what we're able, it's incredible what we can accomplish."

Donations through this year's campaign at U.Va. are about 20 percent off the pace of last year's total of $888,888. "This is a different year," Fitzgerald said. "It's not just about the number of dollars raised; it's about the number of people helped."

The Commonwealth of Virginia Campaign is a statewide workplace-giving program, administered locally by U.Va.'s Community Relations Office, that allows state employees to designate a financial gift to any of nearly 1,400 participating charities.

University employees can use their computing ID and NetBadge password to donate online at www.virginia.edu/cvc. Employees may choose to set up deductions from each paycheck or — new this year — choose to make a one-time contribution through payroll deduction. It's a fast, easy and secure way for University employees to support the causes that matter most to them. And, when employees designate their gifts to their favorite charities, 100 percent of their gifts go directly to those charities with no overhead or administrative costs.

The campaign closes Dec. 12 at 5 p.m.

For information, e-mail uvacvc@virginia.edu.