ACC Seeks Donations for Blessing Boxes
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a huge sociological and economic effect on the region and has left some people in need of support.
Since it is not possible of the ACC Food and Toy Drive, this year Alvin Community College has posted “Blessing Boxes” on campus to collect donations for those in need. Food and toiletry items are being accepted for students and members of the community.
“I feel it was a wonderful idea since ACC was not able to have the annual toy and food drive,” said Marketing specialist Cammy Guggisberg, who is also the coordinator of the Blessing Boxes. “We have a wonderful team together who are excited and willing to help. It makes my heart feel good seeing how quickly this came together. ACC is a wonderful place to work and honestly cares about their students and the community.”
Students in the Skilled Training Rewarding Independence and Vocational Education (STRIVE) program have been helping collect donations from the Blessing Boxes. STRIVE provides Vocational Training for adults with intellectual disabilities with an end goal of transitioning students into the workforce.
STRIVE students recently processed and distributed a donation of more than 700 canned food items donated by the Pearland Neighborhood Center and H-E-B. Donations through faculty, staff and community have increased since then.
“The STRIVE class took the lead in inventorying the donated food and stocking the boxes with enthusiasm,” Guggisberg said. “Other staff members have helped with obtaining donations, repurposing the schedule boxes and advertising.”
Items needed are canned goods including meats (tuna, chicken, etc.), fruits, vegetables, soups/stews, beans, rice and pasta, peanut butter, jelly, granola bars and toiletries.
Donations can be dropped off at the screening location in S Building at the ambulance bay from 6:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Monday through Thursday and 6:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Friday.
The boxes are also located in several buildings around campus. Organizers hope to make the boxes a permanent fixture on campus.
For more information about the Blessing Boxes or to make a financial contribution, visit www.alvincollege.edu/community/BlessingBox.html.