SWEETWATER COUNTY – Unfortunately, a major concern around the holidays for some families is food. The inability to purchase or prepare holiday meals can ruin many holiday celebrations.
Knowing many holiday memories are created around the kitchen and during family dinners, one group is fighting to make sure local families don’t have to worry about this tradition.
The Young and Professionals of Sweetwater County raised over $1,000 during its fourth annual Halloween Stroll event to help support Sweetwater County food needs. Memorial Hosptial of Sweetwater County joined the fight and matched the funds raised by YAP making over $2,000 that was donated locally.
Knowing the purchasing ability of the local food bank and its knowledge of community needs, the group took $1,000 and donated it to the local food bank.
With many families not having the means to prepare a thanksgiving dinner, YAP again stepped in. They purchased 17 fully prepared family meals from Dickey’s BBQ, more than double the number of meals they have been able to purchase in the past.
“YAP is thrilled about being able to help so many families have a better Thanksgiving. YAP and I would like to thank the community, Memorial Hospital of Sweetwater County and Senator Bernadine Craft for making this year’s food donation a huge success. Bernadine was kind enough to work with many agencies in the area to determine the families selected to receive fully prepared meals. I hope everyone has a lovely Thanksgiving.” – YAP Board Member Becky Gressette.
As they have watched their annual fundraiser grow, YAP has set the bar high for next year. In the past, the group has just collected donations during the Halloween Stroll. Next year, YAP plans on contacting businesses and people in the community during the whole month of October to help increase their donation.
“This is an amazing gift to the community and everything we collect stays in Sweetwater County. If we truly work at this, I feel like $5,000 is a very reasonable goal,” Gressette said
For more information on YAP please contact the Rock Springs Chamber 307-362-3771 or email YAP at yapsweet307@gmail.com
