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ULLIN, IL (May 22, 2025) – The Dollar General Literacy Foundation (DGLF) recently awarded Shawnee Community College a grant for $8,900 to support the Little Saints Book Club. The funds are a part of a record-setting, one-day donation in the Foundation’s history of more than $13.2 million to support adult, family, and summer literacy programs in the 48 states where Dollar General operates.
“This grant means the world to us at Shawnee Community College. For several years, we have been providing books and activities for children and their families in our district. With this funding, that tradition will continue each month,” said Lindsay Johnson, SCC Director of Community Education.
The Little Saints Book Club is a free monthly event at the SCC Johnson County Extension Center in Vienna for children Pre-K and younger and their parents. Each gathering includes a free book, activities, and snacks. During the summer months, the Alexander County Extension Center in Cairo also hosts book club activities.
“For over 30 years, the Foundation has been investing in literacy and basic education programs in our hometown communities,” shared Denine Torr, executive director of the Dollar General Literacy Foundation. “Today’s grant announcement celebrates our unwavering commitment to student and teacher success. We are grateful to all the grant recipients for their commitment to advancing education and helping students thrive.”
The Dollar General Literacy Foundation supports organizations that increase access to educational programming, stimulate and enable innovation in the delivery of educational instruction, and inspire a love of reading. Each year, DGLF awards funds to nonprofit organizations, schools, and libraries within a 15-mile radius of a Dollar General store or distribution center to support adult, family, summer, and youth literacy programs. The Foundation also offers a student referral program for individuals interested in learning how to read, speak English, or prepare for the high school equivalency exam. Referrals to a local organization that provides free literacy services are available online here or through referral cards found in the Learn to Read brochures that are available at the cash register of every Dollar General store.
The Foundation also plans to launch its sixth annual The Yellow Glasses Project campaign on July 21, 2025. In this campaign, customers can purchase yellow sunglasses at Dollar General stores for $2 each to benefit the DGLF.
About Shawnee Community College
Established in 1967, Shawnee Community College offers over 40 associate degrees, diplomas, and certificate programs, including healthcare, business, agri-business, and accounting specialties. Located in southernmost Illinois, Shawnee has expanded throughout its history to include four extension sites serving the five-county district and beyond. SCC serves approximately 2,600 individuals in credit and non-credit programs across Alexander, Johnson, Massac, Pulaski, and Union Counties.
About the Dollar General Literacy Foundation
The Dollar General Literacy Foundation is proud to support initiatives that help others improve their lives through literacy and education. Since 1993, the Foundation has awarded more than $271 million in grants to nonprofit organizations, helping more than 23 million individuals take their first steps toward literacy, a general education diploma or English proficiency. Each year, the Dollar General Literacy Foundation provides financial support to schools, nonprofit organizations and libraries within a 15-mile radius of Dollar General stores and distribution centers. To learn more about the Dollar General Literacy Foundation or apply for a literacy grant, visit www.dgliteracy.org.