Some stories need to be told.

For 29 years, Maine state employees have participated in a charitable giving project that has received little attention from the media and the public.

Always cited when things go wrong, state employees seldom receive the attention they should get when their efforts go right -- when they respond to the call to help their neighbors, when they save lives, strengthen families and improve communities.

In addition to personal volunteer activities, state employees perform these feats on a daily basis, with little notice or praise, simply by carrying out their job duties.

But they do much more, such as when they participate in the Maine State Employees Combined Charitable Appeal (MSECCA).

Each year, this effort goes very right. Led by the governor and a network of dedicated volunteers, this annual campaign raises life-changing dollars for hundreds of charities throughout our state. For three decades, and regardless of the economic circumstances of the times, state employees have contributed millions of dollars from their paychecks -- yes, millions -- to assist those in need.

Since 1980, the generosity of state employees has made an enormous difference in the lives of children, seniors, individuals with disabilities and many others here in central Maine. Thousands of people have been given a new lease on life because state employees have selflessly given of themselves through the combined charitable appeal.

If you've benefited from the Augusta Food Bank, or made use of the Kennebec Valley YMCA, state employees have been there for you.

When an older person you know needed the Alzheimer's Care Center or Legal Services for the Elderly, state employees answered the call.

When drug addiction became an issue for your friend or neighbor, their contributions ensured that services would be available.

And if you ever need shelter or counseling, it will be there -- in no small measure because the combined charitable appeal provided the funding to make it possible.

Last year alone, state employees contributed nearly $400,000 to the appeal's charities.

Since 1990, almost $4 million has been donated.

On behalf of the dedicated agency volunteers who are the key to the appeal's success, I want to express our appreciation to generations of state employees who recognized the needs in their communities and came through for those less fortunate. The 2009 campaign is especially significant because economic challenges have only added to the needs of our neighbors.

MSECCA creates hope and opportunity for Maine families, and it has never been more essential.

Because of national economic challenges and their impact on government budgets, state employees have seen their incomes reduced through shutdown days, increased costs for health insurance and other cost-saving measures. Nevertheless, they continue to respond to the issues confronting our communities.

When Gov. John Baldacci asked me to chair the 2009 MSECCA campaign, I was honored but concerned. What kind of an impact would the economy's slowdown have on charitable giving? To the credit of state employees, the combined charitable appeal campaign is making real progress toward our ambitious goal of $400,000.

I've been amazed by the generosity of my co-workers at the Department of Professional and Financial Regulation and throughout state government. And I've never been more certain that the people of Maine are served by an incredible group of caring individuals.

With six weeks remaining in the campaign, I encourage state employees to follow the campaign's progress online at www.maine.gov/msecca. That's where updates are posted regularly and donations can be made.

The press and public also are urged to visit this Web site to learn more about what state employees are accomplishing through the Maine State Employees Combined Charitable Appeal.

This is a story of compassion and generosity. It's one that should make Maine people proud. And in keeping with a three-decade tradition, it's a story that will have a happy ending in 2009 for our neighbors in need.

Anne L. Head is commissioner of the state Department of Professional and Financial Regulation and chairwoman of the 2009 Maine State Employees Combined Charitable Appeal Campaign.