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.
Gift of Giving 2023
We gnome what you're looking for...
Nov. 1 through Dec. 5
This year's COD Cares Gift of Giving campaign focuses on housing and food insecurity. Activities include warehouse work, ethnic food drives, winter clothing donations and decorating supportive housing for veterans. We even have surprise pop-ups for those who have just five minutes to share.
Gift of Giving Send-Off
New this year: Let's celebrate YOU during the Gift of Giving Send-Off from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 5, in SRC 2000. Just a few things you should gnome:
- Unless otherwise stated, all donated items must be dropped off in SRC 2000 by 1 p.m. on Dec. 5 where they will be sorted and sent off to waiting agencies.
- While you're there, take team photos or enjoy a cup of hot cocoa.
- Join fellow gnomes for a surprise pop-up activity supporting our partner agencies.
- Would you like to deliver your donations? Let us know via email.
Don't gnome how to participate? Have we got the options for you! So, gather a team or fly solo. Ready! Set! GNOME!
Agency Wish Lists
Many partner agencies are experiencing a 30 to 40 percent increase in clients needing assistance. Help make a house a home. Reserve an agency from the list below. Confirmation will be sent to you along with the agency’s full wish list.
- 360 Youth Services - warm hats and gloves
- Abundant Children and Family Services Agency - household and personal care items
- DuPage Pads - seasonal clothing, single serving food, personal care and household items
- DuPage Senior Citizens Council - small containers of pet food for seniors to share with their fur babies
- Humanitarian Service Project: Children’s Project - games and toys for children ages 3 to 15
- Humanitarian Service Project: Holiday Food Drive - pantry essentials
- Midwest Shelter for Homeless Veterans - household and personal care items
- Naperville Area Humane Society - pet food and treats
- People’s Resource Center: Cold Weather Gear - winter clothing from birth to adult sizes
- People’s Resource Center: Share the Spirit - family games, children’s books and new blankets
- Sharing Connections - toys, hats and gloves for all ages
- Teen Parent Connection - new and gently used baby and toddler items and teen parent personal care
- The Outreach House - youth and adult winter coats, diapers, non-perishable food
- World Relief - men’s and children’s winter coats and bedding, blankets and comforters
Keep it Simple: Gift Cards
Next time you’re shopping, pick up Target, Walmart or Jewel gift cards ($10 minimum) to help Department of Children and Family Services and Humanitarian Service Project families prepare nutritious meals and holiday treats. Cards must be dropped off at the Campus Central service desk, SSC Atrium, by Monday, Dec. 4.
Shop and Drop
Take advantage of buy-one-get-one sales. Tour the ethnic food aisle. Release your inner child. Check out shopping lists then deposit donations at the DROP GNOME in the SSC Atrium to share with:
- Operation Support Our Troops serving deployed military personnel, sponsored by COD Veterans Student Services. Items needed for Operation Support Our Troops.
- Exodus World Service welcoming immigrant families with ethnically-diverse shelf stable pantry essentials.
- Toys for Tots making children’s dreams come true for more than 75 years.
- COD Fuel Pantry supporting the nutritional needs of COD students.
- MAC Giving Tree supporting Metropolitan Family Services, DuPage Pads and the COD Fuel Pantry.
Gnomes at Work
Distribute groceries during monthly mobile markets hosted by Northern Illinois Food Bank and COD. Register for Monday, Dec. 4. Two time slots are available. Mobile markets are held in College Lot 6 at the northwest corner of Lambert and College roads. Volunteer limit: 20 each session
Gift of Giving 2022
Revisit last year's gnome-worthy Gift of Giving winter campaign.
Contact Information
Joan DiPiero
Community Engagement Coordinator
(630) 942-3872
Email: dipieroj@cod.edu