University of Virginia employees can again support their favorite charities by participating in the 2013 Commonwealth of Virginia Campaign, the workplace-giving program for University and state employees administered by U.Va.’s Office of Community Relations. The campaign kicks off Tuesday.

The campaign allows employees to designate a financial gift to any of approximately 1,400 participating charities. Types of charities include health and human services, animal welfare, environmental conservation and medical research.

U.Va. employees have a long tradition of leading the state in workplace giving. Last year, employees gave a record $1,072,000 to approximately 400 charities, the bulk of which are in the local area. By returning their red envelopes or pledging online, U.Va. employees can continue this tradition, and “Give Hope” to those who need it most.

“This year’s campaign has a new statewide theme: ‘Virginia is for givers,’” said Jim Fitzgerald, who is chairing U.Va.’s 2013 campaign. “Clearly, this theme was embraced by the University community years ago as, year after year, U.Va. employees have provided significant financial support to the causes that matter most to them through the CVC.”

There are two ways to make a gift. Donations can be made online at www.virginia.edu/cvc, using a U.Va. computing ID and password, or employees may return their red envelopes to their area’s coordinator.

Either way, employees may contribute by setting up payroll deductions. “It’s a fast, easy and secure way for University employees to support the causes that matter most to them,” Fitzgerald said. 

When employees designate their gifts to their favorite charities, 100 percent of their gifts go directly to that charity with no overhead or administrative costs, he said.

Campaign volunteers spearhead communications and share information in offices across Grounds. “Their efforts play a critical role in the delivery of the campaign across Grounds,” Fitzgerald said.

“The red envelopes are a fall tradition around Grounds,” said volunteer Rajiva Seneviratne of the Office of the Executive Vice President and Provost. “This Universitywide effort provides substantial support to our local and regional charities and I find it rewarding to play a role in its promotion.”  

Information about special events planned for the 2013 CVC at U.Va. campaign will be announced soon. 

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