The latest recipients of the Spoon River College Denim for Dollars employee campaign for 2024 were Fulton-Mason Crisis Service, Girls Unplugged, and the Spoon River College Foundation, with each receiving $283.31.
The college created the Denim for Dollars campaign in 2023, allowing employees to wear jeans throughout the work week for a $25 donation every six months. The money is then divided and distributed to different organizations twice a year. During July through December, $850 was raised, and a total of $2,475 was raised for the entire year.
Regular recipients are the SRC Foundation (hardship funds and food pantry), Girls Unplugged, Fulton-Mason Crisis Service, and WIRC-CAA Victim Services, and employees have the option of nominating other charities/organizations to also receive a percentage. Past recipients that have been nominated and received funds are The Canton Learning Collaborative, Linda’s Fund, Humane Society of McDonough County, Cuba Food Pantry, The Good Pantry, and W.D. Boyce Council (Boy Scouts of America).
Girls Unplugged is a free community-led after school group for 5th through 8th grade girls at Ingersoll Middle School and is sponsored by Canton Park District, MidAmerica National Bank, Spoon River College, and YWCA of Canton.