The local chapter of the United Way raised about $600,000 in donations last year and about $70,000 of it came from Alexandria city employees.

The city government facilitated the donations by informing the work force and in some cases donating it directly from their paychecks, said City Councilman Frank Fannon.

Fannon, the United Way capitol campaign chair for the region, announced the news Tuesday night at City Hall.

“Thanks for all the good work the Alexandria city employees have done to help the good charities in Alexandria,” he said.

Donations from city employees provided the single biggest chunk of charity during the campaign, Fannon said. He will head a recognition ceremony in the Vola Lawson Lobby at City Hall on Friday.