State workers donated nearly $365,000 as part of a campaign to raise money to help more than 500 charities across the state, according to the governor's office.

Gov. John Baldacci thanked and congratulated volunteers of the 2008 Maine State Employees Combined Charitable Appeal Tuesday afternoon. The governor joined Department of Conservation Commissioner Patrick McGowan, who led the charitable effort, at a luncheon Tuesday afternoon to thank the volunteers.

"As dedicated public servants, you work for the improvement of the welfare of Maine citizens on a daily basis," Baldacci said in a statement. "And as volunteers of MSECCA, you go above and beyond. Thank you for your commitment to making this 29th anniversary of the appeal a great success."