image of President Larry Dietz signing a SECA pledge form.

President Larry Dietz signs a SECA pledge form.

It is time once again for our State Employees Combined Appeal, or SECA campaign. I hope you will be able to join Marlene and me in supporting this worthy effort.

Our Illinois State family members give in so many ways—with their time, their talents, and their resources. SECA provides our Redbird family with an opportunity to support wonderful causes outside the University. In these troubled economic times, it may feel as though our University is a strong and stable fort surrounded by an embattled state. And these problems impact so many. SECA charities bring hope and help to our community, our state, and even some of our Illinois State employees.

With so many charities to be found on the SECA website, it is easy to locate the ones that capture each person’s passion. And each donation, no matter the size, reflects the Redbird spirit of giving and civic engagement.

My thanks to our SECA co-chairs, Shelly Braxton and Judi Khalilallah, who are leading this year’s charge to help those in need.

Larry H. Dietz

About SECA:
The State Employees Combined Appeal (SECA) campaign allows all state employees to donate to international, area, and local charities that have all been vetted through the state. SECA Illinois supports nearly 2,000 charities. Find all the charities listed on the Charity Search Engine on the SECA Illinois website. One hundred percent of contributions are sent directly to the designated charities.

For the first time this year, donations may be made online at the SECA Illinois website. Participants must register on the site to make a donation. Employees can also donate through payroll deduction, or write checks directly to the charities and send them through campus mail to Campus Box 3090. A link to the complete list of SECA charities as well as the donation forms can be found on the Redbirds Care SECA website.

Every bit helps. SECA donations can buy:

  • $1 per paycheck covers the cost of a hospital blood count for a sick child.
  • $5 per week can provide housing, a meal, and assistance toward self-sufficiency for 20 homeless individuals.
  • $7 per week will pay for an athlete to compete in Special Olympics for one year.
  • $10 per paycheck will purchase a lightweight wheelchair for a person who is physically challenged.

Units

SECA, University