October 8, 2009 — University of Virginia employees can again support their favorite charities by participating in the 2009 Commonwealth of Virginia Campaign, which kicks off at U.Va. on Monday.

Administered at U.Va. by the Community Relations Office, the CVC is a statewide workplace-giving program that allows state employees to designate a financial gift to any of nearly 1,400 participating charities, including those working in health and human services, animal welfare, environmental conservation and medical research.

U.Va. employees can donate online by inputting their computing IDs and NetBadge passwords. They may choose to set up deductions from each paycheck or to make a one-time contribution through payroll deduction. It's a fast, easy and secure way to support the causes that matter most to them, said Jim Fitzgerald, who chairs U.Va.'s campaign.

When employees designate gifts to their favorite charities, 100 percent goes directly to those charities with no overhead or administrative costs, he said.

"We're all aware of the increased needs in our community," Fitzgerald said. "Now, more than ever, University of Virginia employees have the chance to help others in need. Each and every gift, regardless of its size, is vitally important to our area's charities and those they serve. If we all give what we're able, together we can truly improve the lives of our friends in need."

U.Va. employees have a long tradition of leading the state in this workplace-giving program. Last year, 3,881 employees donated a record $936,000 to approximately 400 charities, the bulk of which are in our local area — marking at least the 10th consecutive year that U.Va. has led the state in funds raised through the campaign.

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