MCC Daily Tribune
How The Spot is Meeting Quiet Needs in Canandaigua and Victor
We are coming into the final stretch of our United Way giving campaign here at MCC. Our campaign end date is May 18th!! There is still time to give – and your contribution can make all the difference! Every step forward matters because United is the Way we strengthen our community. United is the way we ensure our neighbors have access to the resources they need to thrive.
Learn how ‘The Spot’ is meeting the needs of our communities in Canandaigua and Victor.
“There’s no such things as other people’s children:”
“People say that suburbs and rural towns don’t carry the same level of need as inner cities. That story is tidy—and wrong. In Victor and Canandaigua, need shows up quietly: at the bus stop with shoes that don’t fit, in kitchen cabinets stretched thin until Friday’s paycheck, in classrooms where a missing backpack becomes a missing homework grade.”
“I’m Dani Hines, director of operations with The Spot,” Danny said, smiling like someone who has hauled more boxes than they can count. “I’ve been here seven years. Our program helps families in the Victor and Canandaigua school districts with food support.” The list didn’t stop there. The Spot hosts a Back-to-School Bash, where every registered student receives a backpack tailored to their grade-level supply list. They fill gaps with personal care products, clothing, shoes, and seasonal gear. “Every day is different,” Danny said. “I’m making even a small impact in our community every day.” A multi-year United Way grant helps them plan instead of chasing emergencies.”
“Becca Soller, program director for Canandaigua, tends the day-to-day in the schools. “I oversee the primary, middle, and academy resource rooms and volunteers.” For Becca, the work is both professional and personal. “When kids have what they need to thrive in school, it creates a better environment for every kid in every classroom.” The United Way partnership means more winter boots, more coats, more sneakers, and more stocked rooms. It also means people power: United Way’s Day of Caring volunteers packing bags, organizing shelves, scaling what a small staff can do.”
“This year, The Spot packed over 700 backpacks, most of which were pre-registered and already promised to a student by their first day.”
United is the way! Thank you for your continued giving!
Debra Ake and Debra Joseph-McEwen, 2026 MCC United Way Campaign Co-chairs
Debra Joseph-McEwen
Student Success & Strategic Initiatives
05/13/2026