Lori Dugan Photo/EAC: Eastern Arizona College received a $32,750 grant last week from the United Way of Graham and Greenlee counties. In the photo, from the left, Claire Santa and the US Army Vista. Denise Benton, executive director of United Way. Amanda Patterson, United Way Grants Manager. Danny Smith, United Way board member. Patti Wren, EAC Student Life Administrator. Todd Haynie, EAC President. Charmaine Chidester, EAC Grants Director. Hannah Webster, EAC Grants Assistant. Rachel Richardson, EAC Monster Exchange Manager. Susan Wood, EAC Vice President of Academic Affairs and Student Affairs. Heston Welker, Vice President of EAC Management. The SBDC director is Eric Bejarano.

Hannah Webster/EAC

Thatcher — Eastern Arizona College received a $32,750 grant last week from the United Way of Graham and Greenlee counties.

EAC Student Life administrator Patti Wren opened the Exchange in the spring of 2020 when the Student Learning Center (SLC), which provided students with a limited food supply, moved into the newly renovated library. filled in the blanks left in the . Ren began planning the exchange when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, with the goal of making nutritious food, toiletries, and clothing available to students.

Temporary federal COVID-19 stimulus provided through the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund helped the exchange get up and running. Additionally, support and donations from the community and several organizations have made the exchange possible during this critical time. The pandemic and federal funding went away after that, but not before the education, health, and income needs of students became apparent.

EAC continues to utilize partnerships with Bashas, ​​Graham County Gleaning Project, Gila Valley Food Coalition, Our Neighbors Farm and Pantry, The Salt House and Lion’s Club Pow Wow. The exchange also accepts donations and cash from the community for clothing, school supplies, and toiletries, and updates supplies when donations run short. These partnerships and donations are greatly appreciated as they help curb hunger, clothe bodies, fill backpacks and maintain hygiene.In 2021 alone, the Exchange We have served over 400 students in just under 3,000 visits and have set a goal of increasing the number of students served by 10% this year.

“Since we launched Monster Exchange two years ago, we have received several comments from EAC alumni saying they appreciate being able to offer this service to their students,” said Wren. “Knowing that we can actively support our students physically, emotionally and academically makes our efforts completely worthwhile. Monster Exchange is here at his EAC It’s one of the key ways to focus on student success.”

EAC Grants Director Charmaine Chidester thanked all of the United Way contributors and said: This grant will allow us to continue this important wraparound service for our students. “

Monster Exchange is open Monday through Friday from 10am to 1pm and is open to all EAC students. For more information, please contact her Monster Exchange Manager Rachel Richardson at (928) 428-7027 or Rachel.Richardson@eac.edu.