LOCK HAVEN, Pa. - Lock Haven University has eclipsed its goal for raising donations for charitable organizations and essential agencies through its 2007 State Employee Combined Appeal (SECA) campaign.

LHU set the bar at raising $18,000 through pledges made by at least 110 contributors, as the university was chosen to oversee SECA activities for the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education with Dr. Keith T. Miller, LHU president, serving as the appointed president representative. LHU exceeded its goal as it raised just under $24,000, with 127 contributors participating in the campaign, according to Albert W. Jones, LHU director of social equity and SECA coordinator for the university. Overall, the university achieved 132 percent of its fundraising goal and saw 115 percent of its employee participation goal.

"This was done through the willingness of Lock Haven employees who like to give back to the community and offer contributions to those in need of help," Jones said.

Established in 1977 as the only charitable campaign allowed by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in its offices statewide, SECA contributions have totaled over $80 million over the past 29 years.

There are over 1,400 agencies participating in the campaign, with the valuable services they provide ranging from conserving our natural resources, providing assistance to the elderly, finding a cure for cancer, to providing shelter for a needy family in Pennsylvania, across the nation and around the world. Umbrella agencies include Global Impact, Community Health Charities of Pennsylvania, Christian Service Charities and the United Negro College Fund.

Donors can designate where the funds go to and can specifically select which agencies and which counties receive their tax-deductible contributions. LHU employee contributions come through checks, cash, money orders and payroll deductions.

The United Way was chosen by contributors to receive the most support, totaling over $5,500, Jones said.

"Lock Haven University is a community that assists people in any way that it can," Jones said. "Whether it is assisting a student or a charitable organization, LHU employees enjoy doing their part."