GRAND RAPIDS, Mich — Student leaders at Grand Rapids Community College are donating $8,000 to the college’s student emergency fund and food pantry to help the growing number of classmates who are struggling to pay bills during COVID-19.
The Student Alliance, a group representing students at GRCC, donated $8,000 intended for activities and programs, giving $5,500 to the emergency fund and $2,500 to purchase items for the college’s food pantry.
President Emma Johnson said her organization’s mission is to advocate for students and help them be successful.
“The state our world is in is very scary, and every single one of us is being affected and fighting our own battles,” Johnson said. “Student Alliance truly wants to help the GRCC student in these hard times! When we were offered the opportunity to support students through the emergency fund at GRCC, it was a no-brainer. The Student Alliance team has GRCC students' best interests in heart and will continue to do whatever we can to help each other out. We are all in this together.”
The Student Emergency Assistance Fund was created by GRCC President Emeritus Steven C. Ender in 2009, largely using donations from employees. It helps students who face emergencies such as losing their job, a place to live or having their utilities shut off. The fund has provided more than $100,000 in grants and loans since 2014.
A second curbside food pickup for students is planned for noon on Wednesday, April 1, outside the GRCC Student Center on Lyon Street. The college also frequently updates a website – grcc.edu/gethelp – with campus and community resources for health, food and other challenges.
Community members can donate through the Grand Rapids Community College Foundation’s online donation page at grcc.edu/donate.
