If you've done some shopping at the Rockford and/or Machesney Park Goodwill stores, and you said "Round it up" at the check-out register, congratulations. You helped raise over $11,000 in scholarship money at Rock Valley College.

Looking at a note from our friend Shannon Halverson at Goodwill:

Goodwill Industries of Northern Illinois is proud to announce that it has awarded Rock Valley College $11,000 in scholarship funds that are targeted to assist persons with disabilities to advance their education.  Goodwill customers were asked at the register to ‘Round Up’ their purchases at the Rockford and Machesney Park Goodwill’s stores to contribute to the local scholarships. The successful “Round Up” program has enabled persons with disabilities to build a better future for themselves, their families, and the local community.

“This scholarship program is a perfect match for Goodwill’s mission of helping individuals with barriers achieve the dignity of work through advanced education and we couldn’t do it without the generosity of our Goodwill customers,” stated Sam Schmitz, President of Goodwill Industries of Northern Illinois.

Goodwill will also be awarding scholarships to 6 other community colleges in its territory this year making the total scholarship amount awarded over $44,000 due to contributions by Goodwill customers.  The organization has awarded $68,000 in scholarships to Rock Valley College since the program began in 2010.

"I am overwhelmed by the generosity shown by our friends at Goodwill and those in the community who made this donation to the college possible," said RVC President Mike Mastroianni. "The impact a scholarship can have on a student’s life is immeasurable.” Thanks to the generosity of its donors, the RVC Foundation proudly awarded over $215,000 in scholarships to students in need in 2014. 

If you'd like more information on Goodwill scholarships, call Courtney Geiger at (815) 987-6226.

More From WROK 1440 AM / 96.1 FM