COOS BAY, OR – The Oregon Coast Culinary Institute (OCCI) and Southwestern Oregon Community College recently received a donation of equipment from Northwest Community Credit Union (NWCCU). The equipment had belonged to a local restaurant.

OCCI, part of the college, was thrilled to hear of the donation of equipment. OCCI is growing at a tremendous rate--a 33% increase in enrollment since just last year. The new equipment will be used in both OCCI and the Dining Services area, where many of the OCCI students conduct their externships before graduation. The equipment will help instructors better educate students, at no additional expense to the college.

“Thanks to the kind donation from NWCCU, this new equipment will increase the learning opportunities for OCCI students far into the future,” said Shawn Hanlin, Executive Director of OCCI.

We appreciate Northwest Community Credit Union’s support of the College,” said Linda Kridelbaugh, Vice President of Administrative Services.

The list of items that were donated includes a 52 inch round grill, a stainless steel hood vent, a salad bar, a walk-in freezer, an upright freezer, a rice cooker, two 50 cup rice warmers, a 141 pound ice machine, a soft serve ice cream machine, and assorted containers, cookware, mats, prep tables and sinks.

In exchange for the donation, students and staff happily volunteered their time to deep-clean the vacant restaurant building. The college has also discussed with NWCCU the possibility of having financial workshops offered by NWCCU employees for current students, staff and members of the community.

“We appreciate Northwest Community Credit Union’s support of the College,” said Linda Kridelbaugh, Vice President of Administrative Services. “The generous donation will be a valuable asset to our instructional culinary programs and will expand the culinary experiences that we can offer our students.”