County Employees Serve the Public On and Off the Job

By Supervisor Greg Cox

The following article appeared in the County News in May 2002

San Diego County employees are in the business of serving the public, and work hard to do so day after day. However, what is truly remarkable about our County organization is how many employees choose to serve others when you’re off the job.

County employees contribute thousands of volunteer hours annually, through community service, fundraising and participation in local volunteer activities. I have spoken to a number of you who are mentors, charity marathon walkers and runners, blood donors, religious educators, or are proud to support a charitable organization with a financial contribution.

After the events of September 11th, I was touched to learn that thousands of employees contributed to relief funds and demonstrated their support for victims and families. The tragedy only served to lift our generous spirit higher. In April, we held a countywide blood drive. As a regular blood donor myself, I was pleased to have the opportunity to donate during lunchtime at the County Administration Center. In fact, at the CAC alone, the San Diego Blood Bank collected 56 pints of blood from County employees. This is a commendable example of your commitment to helping others.

Also, this year over 20% of County employees have chosen to help San Diego nonprofit organizations with payroll deductions to the County Employees Charitable Organization (CECO) and United Way. 2002 contributions are expected to exceed $15,000 per pay period in giving, with a potential to raise close to $400,000 to help community organizations next year.

This generous spirit of service to others makes a world of difference to the people of our region and makes me proud to be a part of the County of San Diego, an organization of truly remarkable individuals.