This spring, the DeKalb County Community Foundation donated more than $15,500 to NIU programs that use resources to further improve the DeKalb area.

The DCCF is a nonprofit charity that allows members of the community to give back to the people of DeKalb County.

“We are a public charity that does not give away tax dollars. All of the money we give out is from donations, stocks, or money people from the community left us in their wills,” said Jerry Smith, executive director of the DCCF.

The DCCF began in 1993 when Charlie and Mary Roberts donated $3 million.

Charlie Roberts died May 8 at the age of 80.

NIU received grants for the Center for Access-Ability Resources and Founders Library, the Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic, the Office of External Programs for the College of Performing Arts, the Campus Child Care Center and the College of Health and Human Sciences.

The College of Health and Human Sciences used the $2,863 it received to bring a fun and competitive game to the senior citizens of DeKalb County.

“The money from the grant gave us the opportunity to purchase a mobile computer and projector that we can bring to different nursing homes in the community and this allows anyone a chance to play the game,” said Alan Robinson, director of outreach for the College of Health and Human Sciences.

The online game, “Acuity,” was put together by members of the College of Health and Human Sciences and draws from games such as “Jeopardy” and “Who Wants to be a Millionaire.”

Before the game begins, players can choose four categories and a fifth category chosen randomly by the computer from a bank of more than 60 categories. The game allows players to play individually, head-to-head or on teams.

“We designed the game to provide seniors a chance to get mental stimulation and have something to do that is both fun and social,” Robinson said.