Mis-use of County email system?

To what extent should the County email system or that of any particular department (let's say, for example, the Sheriff's Department) be used to promote a fundraiser for any event (even a worthwhile one)? Should County telephone numbers be given to the public for contact during business hours about unofficial business? Should fundraiser notices be placed on the walls of County office buildings?

On June 19th an email blast was sent to "Government Center All Employees; Annex A All Employees; Annex B All Employees; Admin Bldg All Employees; Valley Hi Staff, DivisionOfTransportation; Health Dept; and named individuals, announcing a Food Drive sponsored by the McHenry County Sheriff's Department, PB & PA McHenry County Sheriff's Lodge #192 and the Huntley Wal-Mart.

The food drive includes a chance to win a 37" flat-screen TV ($500 value), and there is apparently an increased chance of winning if you donate 10 non-perishable food items. Is this a lottery or raffle of some type that should be registered with the Attorney General's office?

Who will monitor the donations and distribute of the chances to win? Who counts the cans and awards the 'extra' chance, if ten items are donate? Who will conduct the drawing to select a winner? Are certain individuals or classes of donors excluded from the chance of winning?

Who approves and monitors the time of County employees involved? Must they "work" only off-duty; i.e., off the payroll? (Not hardly, since County telephone numbers are provided for contact.) Why is the County email system used to promote a food drive sponsored, in part, for a private business and a union? Why are County telephone numbers included in the email sent on the County system? Obviously, anyone answering the County telephones listed will be on duty (or at work, if a civilian employee).

This food drive is to benefit the Salvation Army. Are all charities eligible to have County employees work for their benefit?

The source of the June 19th is not against charities or donating (personal) time and money for these worthy causes.

Do other County Departments engage in these types of activities?