THE FOLLOWING IS A DANVILLE AREA COMMUNITY COLLEGE RELEASE
ABOVE: Results of the Day of Giving at DACC.
DANVILLE – On December 2, 2024, Danville Area Community College’s TRiO Student Support Services Program once again demonstrated the power of community through their annual Giving Tuesday initiative. This year marked the ninth year that the TRiO team has led this global day of giving on campus, dedicating their efforts to helping DACC students facing basic needs insecurities.
For the 2024 Giving Tuesday, the TRiO team shifted focus from non-perishable food items to toiletries and personal hygiene products. This decision was driven by feedback from students who shared the challenges of obtaining essentials like soap, shampoo, toothpaste, and feminine hygiene products. All donations were directed to the DACC Food Pantry, ensuring these critical items are accessible to students in need.
Tonya Hill, Executive Director of the DACC Foundation, emphasized the impact of this year’s campaign, stating, “The donation of toiletries to the food pantry has a significant impact on our students by fulfilling basic needs. Many students struggle to afford basic hygiene products, and providing these resources ensures they have access to essential items that support personal health and dignity. We are very grateful to TRiO for hosting Giving Tuesday and raising awareness among faculty, staff, and students about the challenges faced by their peers.”
The success of this year’s event reflects the collaborative spirit of DACC’s faculty, staff, and students, all of whom contributed equally to the donations. While the TRiO team did not count the total number of items collected, the outpouring of support showcased the DACC community’s commitment to making a difference.
The TRiO Student Support Services Program is federally funded by the U.S. Department of Education and serves as part of a national network of over 2,800 TRiO programs. At DACC, TRiO helps eligible students succeed in college and achieve their Associate degree. Eligible students may qualify if they meet one or more criteria, such as being a first-generation college student, having financial need, or possessing a documented physical or learning disability.
Located in Lincoln Hall 224, the DACC Food Pantry provides food and hygiene products to DACC students and their families. Initiatives like Giving Tuesday help stock the pantry with essential items, ensuring no student goes without the basic resources needed to thrive.
Shanay Wright, Director of TRiO and the Student Success Center, expressed gratitude to everyone who supported the event, “Giving Tuesday is more than just a collection drive; it’s a testament to the compassion and generosity of our DACC community. Thank you to our amazing faculty, staff, and students for helping us make a difference in the lives of our students.”
For more information about TRiO, contact Shanay Wright at 217-443-8860 or via email at s.wright@dacc.edu.
For inquiries about the DACC Food Pantry or to make a donation, contact the Foundation Office at 217-443-8893 or email foundation@dacc.edu.
Danville Area Community College is a comprehensive community college serving Illinois District 507, which consists of Vermilion County and parts of Champaign, Iroquois, Edgar, and Ford counties. DACC’s main campus is located at 2000 East Main Street, Danville. The College has a higher-learning center in Hoopeston at 847 E. Orange. To apply to DACC, call 217-443-3222 or visit the Web site at www.DACC.EDU.