Salinas, Calif. — The Hartnell College Foundation will host a Giving Tuesday Open House at the SOUL Center (Office of Basic Needs) on Dec. 2 to highlight its Safety Net for Student Success campaign, which supports students facing food insecurity, housing instability or unexpected financial hardship so they can stay enrolled and on track to reach their goals. Many of Hartnell’s basic needs services are made possible in part by state funding and the generosity of community donors. 

Guests will have the chance to “Fill the Fridge” by donating gift cards, cash or pantry staples to help restock El Mercado, Hartnell’s on-campus basic needs store. Students wearing “Ask Me About Basic Needs” buttons will be available to share how the Safety Net has supported them and why asking for help is an act of strength. 

The event will include community partner tables, refreshments in the SOUL Center (Office of Basic Needs) and information on how students access emergency scholarships, child care resources, transportation assistance and housing support in a welcoming, judgment-free environment. The Hartnell College Foundation will also offer alumni pins, “I ❤ Hartnell’s Safety Net” stickers, MCGives! donation details and materials highlighting student success stories. 

Attendees are encouraged to take photos, tag @HartnellCollege, @HartnellCollegeFoundation, @cfmco and @montereycountyweekly on social media, and use the hashtags #MCGives, #GivingTuesday and #SafetyNetForStudentSuccess to help raise awareness.  

Local elected officials, community leaders, supporters and media are invited to stop by, meet students, tour the SOUL Center and see firsthand how community generosity fuels student stability and success.