By: Angela Mennecke
The College of DuPage community embraced the spirit of giving during this year’s COD Cares Gift of Giving initiative, held from Nov. 1 to Dec. 10. Students, faculty and staff united to make a meaningful impact on campus and throughout the DuPage County area by spreading kindness and generosity through service projects and donations.
This year’s initiative provided vital support to numerous local organizations, including 360 Youth Services, Abundant Children and Family Services, DuPage County Senior Citizen Council, DuPage Pads, Family Shelter Service, Humanitarian Service Project, Kids Above All, Naperville Area Humane Society, People's Resource Center, Phil's Friends, Sharing Connections, Teen Parent Connection, The Outreach House and World Relief.
The results were extraordinary:
- 5,541 food items donated to the COD Fuel Pantry.
- 170+ families served through the on-campus Northern Illinois Food Bank Mobile Market.
- 114 lives saved through a campus blood drive.
- 600 holiday gifts provided to seniors.
- Provided various community organizations with much-needed items—from children’s clothing to essential household supplies for families and veterans.
For more than 10 years, COD Cares, the College’s volunteer corps, has worked with local businesses and non-profit organizations while fostering a culture of service among College employees, students and community members. Learn more about COD Cares.