CANTON- The Dollar General Literacy Foundation (DGLF) recently awarded the Spoon River College Adult Education Program an $8,000 grant to support adult literacy. 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 in which Dollar General operates.
“We are incredibly honored to receive this grant from the Dollar General Literacy Foundation,” said Chad Murphy, Director of Adult Education at Spoon River College. “Their continued investment in adult literacy highlights the transformative power of education, not just for individuals, but for entire communities. This funding allows us to expand our reach, support more learners, and help adults build the skills they need to succeed academically, professionally, and personally.”
Through its Adult Education Program, Spoon River College helps individuals earn their Illinois High School Diploma and transition into college-level coursework. Preparation classes focus on reading, writing, social studies, science, and math—core subjects required to pass the GED exam and build a strong academic foundation. These free classes are offered at multiple times and locations across the college’s service area to accommodate diverse student needs.
“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 is a celebration of 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 which customers can purchase yellow sunglasses at Dollar General stores for $2 each to benefit the DGLF.
