Whatcom Community College Foundation receives $17,100 in donations towards a matching gift, bringing current total to $34,200 for the WCC Pack the Pantry initiative.

Bellingham, Washington, December 11, 2025 – Whatcom Community College (WCC) Foundation raised over $17,100 in matching funds, bringing the total contribution to $34,200.   These donations will support the WCC Food Pantry, providing crucial support for WCC students facing food insecurity.

These donations are inclusive of a $1,500 donation from Sunrise Rotary and a $1,000 donation from the Rotary Club of Bellingham, presented to Dr. Guillory, as well as contributions from Eleanor & Henry Jansen Foundation, a supporting organization of the Chuckanut Health Foundation, and many other generous individuals.

Photo above, left to right: Dennis Kaiser, Sunrise Rotary Chair of Small Grants, presents check to Dr. Justin Guillory, WCC president on November 20, 2025.

Photo above, left to right: Dr. Justin Guillory, WCC president; Ward Naf, WCC Director of IT and member of the Rotary Club of Bellingham; Amy Riedel, WCC Associate Director for Student Life & Development, receive check on December 8, 2025.

“We are incredibly grateful for the generosity of our community,” said Dr. Justin Guillory, WCC president. “Thanks to the support from organizations like the Rotary clubs, the WCC Foundation’s generous matching grant, and our dedicated donors, we have already secured more than $34,200 for WCC students who rely on this assistance. This contribution truly makes a difference. It enables us to restock the Orca Food Pantry, helping students focus on their education rather than worrying about where their next meal will come from. Thank you to everyone who has stepped forward to make this possible.”

More than 41% of WCC students face food insecurity. To provide direct and immediate support for students experiencing increased economic stress including those affected by the recent extended federal government shutdown, The Associated Students of Whatcom Community College (ASWCC) launched the Pack the Pantry food drive. The effort collected 320 pounds of food to help replenish the Orca Pantry and raise awareness during Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week.

WCC’s Orca Food Pantry serves as a vital resource, receiving more than 5,000 visits annually from current students. The funds raised through this matching fund challenge and food collected from the food drive directly provide essential groceries and food items to students in need.

How to contribute to the WCC’s Foundation Pack the Pantry initiative:

Make a Financial Donation: Businesses and individuals can help WCC students by donating to Pack the Pantry. To contribute, please visit the WCC Foundation at whatcom.edu/foundation and click “Give Now” or scan this QR code:

Link to the above  QR code: https://form-renderer-app.donorperfect.io/give/whatcom-community-college/orca-food-pantry-copy

To donate nonperishable foods the WCC Food Pantry: If you would like to contribute to Pack the Pantry, food donations can be made directly at the WCC Food Pantry, located in the Syre Student Center building, Monday - Thursday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Orca Pantry accepts non-perishable food items as well as monetary donations, which allow the pantry to purchase fresh produce, dairy products, and other perishables that students need for balanced, nutritious meals. The Orca Pantry can accept checks, should you wish to make a monetary donation. Or you may donate through the WCC Foundation (see above QR code). Please note that the Orca Pantry is unable to accept cash donations.

Above photo: WCC’s Orca Food Pantry in Syre Student Center building, main floor in November, with empty shelves.

Above photo: WCC’s Associated Students (ASWCC) on the WCC campus. Students in front of Indigenous artist James (Nexw'Kalus-Xwalacktun) Harry's sculpture titled, ININYAX’A7N (Thunderbird).

About the WCC Foundation: The mission of Whatcom Community College Foundation is to enhance educational opportunities by providing student scholarships, to support faculty development, and to assist with key college initiatives. Founded in 1987, WCC Foundation helps students achieve their aspirations by funding their education through grant and scholarship programs, with the goal of creating global citizens who live out their potential and give back to their community. For more information, visit Foundation | Whatcom Community College.

About Whatcom: Whatcom Community College in Bellingham, Washington, is a destination for cybersecurity, healthcare, and business studies and offers three bachelor of applied science degrees in applied business management, IT network-cybersecurity, and social work as well as transfer degrees, online courses, career and workforce preparation, online and hybrid courses, and community education classes. With affordable and accessible programs at WCC, students of every age and background can create their own pathways that align with their specific goals and interests. WCC consistently enhances its range of programs to support students in transitioning to four-year institutions and successful careers. New high school graduates, laid-off workers, seasoned employees, future university students—all students count on WCC to support their academic and career goals. For more information, visit www.whatcom.edu.

Media Contact & Public Information Officer: Marni Saling Mayer, PIO, and Director of Communication & Marketing,  msmayer@whatcom.edu, phone: 360.383.3312.