February 7, 2023 – Last Friday, Richland Community College employees and the community collected more than $750 in donations and more than 500 items for local organizations as part of Richland Gives Back Day.
The college started Richland Gives Back Day as a celebration of 50 years of changing lives in the Decatur community. On February 2nd and 3rd, they wanted to facilitate a multitude of giving opportunities for their employees and community members, so they could give back to the community that has given so much to them.
Organizations included:
- Altrusa International Decatur Club
- Project Read Plus
- The Pantry at Richland
- Heritage Behavioral Health Center
- Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Illinois
- Dove Inc.
- The Humane Society of Decatur & Macon County
- Decatur Block by Block
To choose the organizations, Loren McGinnis, Annual Giving & Alumni Engagement Coordinator at Richland said, “During our 50th-anniversary planning, we asked our employees how they wanted to give back to the community that has supported us for 50 years. Once they sent their responses, we put together the list of the organizations and chose nonprofits that support multiple needs in our community.”
Lisa Lambert, the Shelter Manager at the Humane Society of Decatur & Macon County, said events like this are extremely helpful. “It’s always great when organizations think of us. We are taking care of around 10 dogs and more than 50 cats right now. We have several animals with severe medical needs, where a lot of our funds go to. So, all monetary and food donations are greatly appreciated.”
Mary Garrison, President & CEO of Heritage Behavioral Health Center, seconded that. “We are honored that Richland would choose Heritage Behavioral Health as an entity to give to. We support Richland a lot. A lot of our nurses come from Richland and work with our clients, and we think it’s very important.
