By Grant Williams

Washington

Federal employees last year pledged $271.6-million to the Combined Federal Campaign, the government’s annual charity drive, a slight increase from the previous year but not big enough to keep pace with the rate of inflation.

The campaign raised approximately $3.1-million — or about 1.2 percent — more than 2005’s total of $268.5-million, according to figures released by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, which oversees the campaign.

The increase in 2006 fell short of the inflation rate of 3.2 percent for the year.

Federal civilian employees, members of the military, and U.S. Postal Service workers last year made pledges through about 300 campaigns worldwide.

The Combined Federal Campaign of the National Capital Area, in Washington, raised the most in 2006, with about $60-million in pledges, an increase of more than $2-million from the previous year.

The Office of Personnel Management said federal employees have contributed more than $5.75-billion since the drive was created in 1961.