|
October 29, 2024 Dear University of Houston Faculty and Staff: In 1993, the Texas state legislature created the State Employee Charitable Campaign (SECC), a statewide annual effort that allows employees of universities and other state agencies to give to many of their favorite charities through a workplace giving campaign which features the option of payroll deduction. University of Houston employees have an outstanding tradition of participation in this annual campaign. For over thirty years our UH Community has contributed more than $3,889,714 through the SECC. Charities eligible under the SECC campaign range from health and human services to environmental programs, to human rights, to educational programs for children, and support programs for the elderly. There are local, state, and even national organizations. Many of these organizations assist families and individuals who are experiencing hardships and circumstances beyond their control. Each approved charity meets specific legal and operational standards that have been reviewed by teams of state employees so you can be confident that your contribution will be distributed to the organization and for the purpose that you select.This year we are delighted to highlight two charities in this year’s campaign that exemplify nonprofits with broad impact: Civic Heart Community Services formerly Change Happens (#336041) and SHAPE Community Center (#336334). The services of Civic Heart reach 59 counties and the programs of SHAPE address the needs of school children, the elderly, homeless, and families in need. UH volunteers are involved with both organizations. We know during this time that many members of our own campus community and their families are facing unpexpected challenges. We also know that all who receive services made possible by the campus SECC contributions appreciate the sacrifices and generosity of those who give. The UH family has always stepped forward to make our community better because we are part of the larger community. Last year exempt UH faculty and staff contributed $60,020 to the charities and service organizations of their choice. We encourage you to please give serious consideration to contributing. All gifts and pledges are totally voluntary.To assist you with your gift decision we have created a website where you can find the following SECC resources:
Study the material carefully on the UH SECC website, www.uh.edu/secc or visit the Texas SECC website at www.secctexas.org if you want additional information on a particular organization. We want you to make an informed choice, one that comes from the heart. Click here to request a pledge form. Formal solicitations will end on Thursday, October 31, 2024. However, you have until Friday November 8, 2024, to submit your online pledges and checks dated October 31, 2024, or earlier to the Office of Neighborhood and Strategic Initiatives. To learn how to give online or fill out a pledge form, visit www.uh.edu/secc or call the Office of Neighborhood and Strategic Initiatives (NSI) at 832-842-5090 for additional information. Where there is a college coordinator, you may receive additional notification and assistance. We apologize that cash cannot be accepted. The detailed instructions for online giving should be reviewed and followed precisely. To give through the online system, login here and click on the “New Donors Register Here” button. Thanks for your consideration and for your continued support. Elwyn C. Lee, J.D. |
