Combined Campaign

The holiday season is approaching, and there’s no better way to brighten the spirits of local charities than to make a donation. State employees and retirees can make a huge impact on the quality of life for those in need by giving through the State Employees Combined Campaign (SECC). The SECC has raised more than $100 million in support of non-profit organizations serving North Carolinians since it was founded more than 30 years ago. This year’s campaign continues through December, so make your pledge today!

Why should you give to the SECC? Making a donation is a personal decision. We asked a few people to share what motivates them to make a contribution. 

Tracy Little
Office of State Budget Management and SECC State Advisory Committe member
breast cancer survivor

“When I was facing a health crisis, I was amazed by the generosity of strangers whose caring spirit eased my journey. Whether it was being there to hold my hand when I wavered or making a pillow to cushion me physically and mentally, those volunteers left a lasting imprint on my heart. Until that time in my life, I never fully understood how important our gifts - small or large - can be to others. I have always donated through the SECC, and now I am a true believer in the power of giving.”

Patti Cooper
Department of Public Safety

“I have been working with the campaign since I started with the State in 1997 and it is truly the best part of what I do for the State of North Carolina. I love working for the SECC because I have come to realize that the only way to find real fulfillment is to do something to help others, and I hope that through my efforts to raise funds for the charities in the campaign I am making a difference in the lives of people in need.” 

Evelyn Proctor
Department of Transporation

“I volunteer because I like to help! It feels as if I am truly making a difference in the lives of the ones that the contributions touch. It gives me a chance to ‘give back’.”

Victor Taylor
Department of Public Safety

“I give to help people who can't help themselves, and encourage those who can. Someone gave to me, and now giving back is my passion.”

Kim Walters
East Carolina University

ECU program specialist Kim Walters and her husband Dean are grateful for the resources provided by the National Kidney Foundation, one of the organizations supported by the State Employees Combined Campaign. The organization provided support to the couple when Dean's kidney failed. The National Kidney Foundation answered their questions and referred them to resources. “People think sometimes with the State Employees Combined Campaign that you go to agencies for financial assistance. Sometimes it’s not necessarily financial assistance but guidance about who to contact, how to go about it,” Kim said.

JR Gorham
Department of Public Safety

“‘I live to give and I give to live.’ I give because so many people have given to me. As a young child my parents were sharecroppers with very few resources and The Salvation Army helped my father become a hero to me by providing him with a bicycle to give to me for Christmas. Even today, as I think back on that Christmas morning, it warms my heart to know that there are organizations that still brings joy to the hearts of little children.”

Andy Nowel
NC State University

"I enjoy volunteering to be a part of the SECC/Wolfpack Gives Back campaign each year because it represents the true spirit of NC State.  We Think and Do each year though our participation to help those in real need.  NC State has a proud history of being a leader in North Carolina in regard to the participation of our faculty and staff in the campaign."

Susan Mitchell
Department of Public Safety

I give for personal gratification; it is the right thing to do. I show this gratitude by caring and sharing with others. My wish is that I can always be available and able to lend a helping hand to someone who may suffer from the effects of an illness or disaster. I try to be an example by talking-the-talk and walking-the-walk. I have so much to be thankful for and there so many in need. My belief is those with more should help those with less. For example the Special Olympics allow individuals with disabilities to experience the joy of competition, the thrill of achievement and the benefits of physical fitness – things most of us take for granted.

#SECCunselfie

There are nearly 1,000 nonprofit organizations participating in the 2015 Combined Campaign. You have many choices when it comes to finding a charity that you’re passionate about. Help raise awareness about the power of giving by posting a photo of yourself and the charity you support using the hashtag #SECCunselfie on social media.