MCC bookstore offers an easy way to help students in need

The McHenry County College Store has organized a convenient way to donate to students in need during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Now on the MCC Store's website, mccbookstore.mchenry.edu, shoppers can select "Donate to Student Success Fund" to easily add a donation of $1, $5, $10, $20, or more to their cart before completing their purchase.

"We wanted to support MCC students in any way we could as they navigate the transition to online learning and face any other challenges that may come up during this time," said Paula Long of the MCC Store. "We've been able to see firsthand how the Student Success Fund helps students achieve their goals, and we're excited to contribute to those efforts."

Originally established in 2017, the Student Success Fund was designed to improve retention when unforeseen circumstances could impact a student's ability to stay in college.

Over the past three years, the Foundation has raised more than $44,000 for the Student Success Fund, and has awarded more than $25,000 in direct aid to help students cover emergency expenses such as automotive repairs, rent, car payments, medical bills, and day care expenses.

With even more students experiencing personal, academic, or financial hardships as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Foundation was able to immediately respond using resources from this fund - purchasing a number of laptops and Chromebooks for student use, doubling their maximum gift award amount from $500 to $1,000 per student, making their application form easily accessible online, and broadening the criteria for those who qualify for aid.

"Like many members of our community, our students may be facing the financial strain of lost work hours or figuring out how to balance child-care with their classes," said Brian DiBona, executive director of the Friends of MCC Foundation. "Our goal is to step in and provide whatever support these students need to keep them in school and focused on their educational goals. The generous support from the MCC Store will help us reach even more students during this unprecedented time."

While the MCC Store on campus remains closed to observe the state's stay-at-home order, shoppers can place orders at mccbookstore.mchenry.edu and either have them shipped to their homes or pick them up at the college at a designated time and location.

To donate directly to the MCC Student Success Fund, or for information, visit www.mchenry.edu/supportmcc.