An announcement Tuesday about state employees speaks volumes not only about their generosity, but their character.
The 2015 Missouri State Employee Charitable Campaign exceeded donations of $1 million for the 11th consecutive year, the state's Office of Administration (OA) reported.
State workers contributed nearly $1.1 million to 926 Missouri charities, OA said, bringing the 30-year total for the state campaign to over $27 million.
Commenting on generosity of state employees, Gov. Jay Nixon said: "I am humbled by their kindness, and so proud of the impact this campaign has had on organizations across the state. To exceed the $1 million mark every year for more than a decade is a true testament to the generosity of state employees and their families."
Now let's talk about their character, because the level of giving continues despite decreases in the ranks of state employees and marginal increases in their earning power.
According to the governor's web site: "Since taking office, the governor has cut $1.8 billion in spending and eliminated 4,500 government positions. The state workforce is now the smallest it has been in two decades."
In a recent column, state Rep. Jay Barnes, R-Jefferson City, wrote: "Missouri state employees are among - if not the - lowest paid in the entire country." He added: "Fighting for increases every year is like pulling teeth from a tiger."
State workers are not the only local employees being asked to do more with little added compensation, but they are among them.
And everyone who earns a pay check is aware of the demands, including: a mortgage or rent; utilities and other monthly bills; insurance for health, home, autos and life; and spending for food, clothing and other necessities.
Those demands may leave little money for discretionary spending.
Missourians, however, consistently have prioritized charitable giving, which we consider a testament to their character.
When people work hard to provide not only for their families, but for others in need, they show a resistance to selfishness and a commitment to caring.
Once again, the charitable donations from state employees demonstrate a collective generosity of spirit.