San Joaquin County launches United Way workplace giving campaign, urges employees to donate via payroll

Orianna Mahoney, employee benefits and development manager in Human Resources for San Joaquin County, announced the county’s United Way workplace giving campaign and encouraged employees to enroll through payroll deductions. “You can make your contributions through payroll deductions, which makes it really simple and easy,” Mahoney said.

County leaders and senior staff framed the kickoff as both a personal and institutional appeal. County Supervisor Paul Canapa (District 2 and board chair) said he would participate and "challenge every employee in San Joaquin County" to consider giving to United Way and local nonprofits. Supervisor Gardia (District 1) cited his experience as a Stockton firefighter and said he has resumed contributing since his election, urging employees to participate "any way that you can." Director of Human Resources Jennifer Goodman noted she has given to United Way for 29 years and described payroll deductions as an easy way to support causes that matter to employees.

Speakers stressed flexibility in how donations are used. Mahoney explained employees can select a nonprofit to receive their gift or allow United Way to allocate funds based on community need. County Administrator Sandy Regalo reiterated that payroll deduction is available and said donors may either direct gifts or let United Way pick recipients, calling local nonprofits “in desperate need.” Supervisor Sunny Daliball (District 3) urged staff to make this the largest year of giving during the county’s anniversary year, and Supervisor Steve Dang suggested small personal sacrifices — "Maybe skip a Starbucks cup or 2 and give" — to boost contributions.

Officials also noted institutional support: Mahoney said the San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors proclaimed November as Workplace Giving Month and highlighted more than 40 years of county employee participation in United Way campaigns. Staff gave examples of local beneficiaries, citing Saint Mary's Dining Room and a community foundation named in the meeting as "Mary Grama Graham's Foundation." The campaign will use payroll deductions and annual recognition plaques for participating employees.

The county’s kickoff emphasizes ease of participation and a pledge from multiple supervisors and senior staff to support giving. County employees were urged to sign up through their payroll elections; no votes or formal board actions beyond the proclamation were recorded in the meeting.