What is COD Cares?
The College’s volunteer corps, COD Cares actively supports and strengthens College of DuPage communities by fostering a culture of service among College employees, students and community members.
An initiative of COD’s Community Engagement department, COD Cares service activities
- Raise awareness of community-based organizations that serve the needs of local residents, including COD students
- Provide educational opportunities on issues that affect residents and students
- Encourage community involvement
Upcoming Initiatives
Sleep Out Saturday: Nov. 6
Sleep Out Saturday 2021
United: One Night, One Community
Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 6 and 7
More than 65,000 DuPage County residents live in poverty and struggle to meet the most basic needs – many experiencing up to 81 days of homelessness each year. College of DuPage is proud to support this event to build awareness of an issue that impacts many of our community members, including COD students.
COD Cares, in partnership with Bridge Communities, invites you to Sleep Out Saturday Nov. 6 and 7 at the Lakeside Pavilion on the Glen Ellyn campus. Participants in this annual event will sleep outside safely in tents, boxes or their vehicles to raise awareness of the impact homelessness and home insecurity has on COD students, neighbors and families.
You can support families served by Bridge Communities by participating in Sleep Out Saturday. Gather friends, colleagues and family members to spend one night away from the warmth and security of your home. Challenge yourself to experience a few hours without permanent shelter, convenient food or a soft bed. The COD campus event will include information from a Bridge Communities and COD graduate, an outdoor movie, games, group activities and a wake-up breakfast.
Please note - Participants subject to COD COVID-19 protocol. Masks required in all campus buildings. Social distancing encouraged outdoors for all participants.
Gift of Giving – 2021 Winter Campaign
Join COD Cares as we celebrate the spirit of giving in all its forms. Whether you prefer monetary donations or acts of service, Gift of Giving promises opportunities for all. From Nov. 1 to Dec. 17, join COD volunteers for a number of on- and off-campus opportunities.
How Can I Give?
- Gift of Donations/Monetary Gifts
Flex those shopping muscles! Grab an item (or two, or three) from the shopping list (TBA). Community Engagement staff will collect purchased items for delivery to this year’s campaign partners. Prefer to shop online? Order items from the Gift of Giving Amazon wish list (TBA) for direct delivery! Can't decide? Pick up a gift card which will allow parents to shop for special gifts and food for their family. - Gift of Service
Help decorate for local senior or veteran home. Build a dresser to help a family trying to establish stable housing. Give blood. This year’s campaign has something for everyone! Sign up for a variety of on- and off-campus giving opportunities via Gift of Giving’s SignUp page (TBA)
- Gift of Good Health
Give a gift that’s close to your heart with Versiti Blood Centers Tuesday, Nov. 16. Versiti will be on campus in the Health and Science Center Atrium. Time to be determined. Appointments required. Reserve your spot through Versiti’s donation portal (TBA).
Roll Up Your Sleeves
Pardon our dust. Something big is in the works for April 2022. Check back for details.
Contact Information
Joan DiPiero
Community Engagement Specialist
(630) 942-3872
dipieroj@cod.edu