Eastern employees can now donate to charities without even signing a check.

A newly-formed advisory committee at Eastern, composed of one department chair, four faculty members and one staff member, is increasing awareness about the State and University Employees Combined Appeal. SECA is a program that allows state employees to donate to charities by having money deducted from their paychecks.

Steve Scher, associate psychology professor and member of the committee, said the group’s goal is to get more volunteers to help the campaign.

“We’ve had a low turnout in the past, and we want to get more people involved,” said Julie Benedict, SECA coordinator at Eastern.

Only 47 employees participated last year, donating about $250 per person, according to Benedict.

“It’s set up so that a certain amount of money from each pay period goes directly to your charity,” Scher said. “It really adds up.”

Employees can also ask for a one-time sum taken out of their paycheck to benefit the charity of their choice.

All donations go directly to the chosen charities, and no expenses are taken from the donations, Scher said.

Giving to charity through the campaign reflects what Eastern does for the community, Scher said.

“A campus that is giving and caring for others is a nice place to be,” he said.

The campaign, which lasts through Nov. 5, coincides with Eastern’s philosophy of “giving back to the community,” Benedict said.

There are about 12 major Illinois charities; some are comprised of many smaller ones, but they all benefit from SECA, said Benedict.

“SECA does promoting for each of the groups, saving them time and money,” Benedict said. “The March of Dimes, United Way, Earth Share and Aids Research are just a few.”