AHOSKIE – Even when faced with perhaps the worst financial period since the Great Depression, it’s pleasing to note there are those who remain steadfast in making contributions to those in need.

Such is the case for the North Carolina Highway Patrol’s Troop A, District II office in Ahoskie. There, the 18 NCHP members reached out last year in a charitable way, donating nearly $2,500 to non-profit organizations.

Those acts of individual kindness collectively allowed the troopers to earn district-wide honors for the second consecutive year in the State Employees Combined Campaign (SECC).

According to Troop A, District II First Sgt. Todd Lane, the Ahoskie office generated $2,340 towards the Campaign during 2008. Of the 18 troopers in the Ahoskie office (one that covers Bertie, Gates and Hertford counties), each made a contribution. That marked the third consecutive year that the Ahoskie office had 100 percent participation in the program.

“It makes me proud to know that the young men and women working in this District see themselves as more than just law enforcement officers,” First Sgt. Lane said. “They feel the need to assist members of the communities we serve by not only donating their time to charitable causes, but also contributing their financial resources that helps to make the State Employees Combined Campaign the success it has become.”

During 2008, the Campaign generated just a shade over $5 million statewide. Of that amount, North Carolina Highway Patrol troopers contributed $27,695.

That too made First Sgt. Lane proud.

“It’s a positive sign when we can show that the young people working for the Highway Patrol, both in this District and all over the state, make the commitment to help better the communities in which they live and work,” he said.

Lane said each trooper can choose the charity for which their donation will benefit.

“They each receive a book that lists all charitable organizations…there are thousands from which to choose,” Lane said.

Governor James B. Hunt Jr. authorized the SECC by Executive Order in 1984. State employees conducted the first campaign two years later. To date, the SECC has raised nearly $70 million.

The SECC is comprised of active state employees and retirees. It also includes retired school personnel.