CLC Women's Center's breaks donation record for Holiday Giving Tree
The Women's Center at College of Lake County is known for supporting special student populations and their families. This includes single mothers, returning students, displaced homemakers, nontraditional career seekers, survivors of sexual assault, stalking and dating and domestic violence, women in cultural transition and LGBTQ individuals.
When the holidays roll around, that support focuses on making the season special. The staff accomplishes this through two major initiatives: the Thanksgiving Drive, supplying families with grocery store gift cards, and the Holiday Giving Tree, ensuring children receive at least one gift.
Both drives were made even more critical this year due to difficulties families faced related to COVID-19. The Lake County community stepped up to the challenge. The Holiday Giving Tree, which began nearly two decades ago, experienced a historic first in 2020.
"Never, in the history of the Women's Center, have we had every child 'adopted' without using previously donated funds," said Tammy Burns, Women's Center specialist.
"I could not be prouder to be part of this organization. You have helped make this holiday season truly special for more than 50 families. There is not a big enough thank you out there to match the generosity you have shown our students and their families."
In total, more than 200 gifts and $2,200 in gift cards were purchased. These items will be delivered to more than 100 children and teenagers across Lake County.
Burns said Campus Services and the Lancerzone Bookstore staff deserve special recognition for accepting the continuous flow of Amazon deliveries and collecting all the monetary donations, respectively.
Now the center will return its focus to the ongoing mission of student support while preparing for their school supplies drive in the summer.
For more information about the College of Lake County, visit www.clcillinois.edu or call (847) 543-2000.
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