It was a tough year for workers everywhere in 2012, and Washington’s state employees weren’t exempt. Despite those sacrifices, our state workers raised about $5.3 million in last year’s Combined Fund Drive. The money is given to charities doing good work locally, nationally and globally.

During a special three-week fundraising drive in December, workers from across the state donated more than $28,000 for victims of Hurricane Sandy.

Congrats to the now-retired Sam Reed, who as Thurston County Auditor created the fund drive along with former Gov. Spellman, which has so far contributed $45 million to worthy causes.