SWEETWATER COUNTY — The Giving Pack Project recently received a $1000 donation from the Young and Professional Group of Sweetwater County.

The Giving Pack Project was started three years ago by two seniors in the Health Academy, Shelby Vasa and Randi Miller.  

They saw a need for weekend meal assistance for elementary students that qualify for free and reduced lunch assistance.  

These two students presented their project to the administration in Sweetwater School District #1 and their project was given a green light.  

Funding was supplied by BOCES for starting up the program. 

Students within the Health Academy participated in food and backpack drives. 

As soon as materials were secured, schools were contacted, and letters to parents were sent out.  

Parents that qualified and choose to participate in the program returned the letter and the project began.  

Two schools were chosen, due to their proximity to the high school and due to their need.  

In the past two years, the project has grown from two-to-six schools and the Health Academy students involved in this endeavor are now helping around 200 students. 

This project is funded by a BOCES grant of $4,000 along with several other community partners that have begun to donate, both money and food. 

For the program to continue this project, organizers calculate that to feed the 200 students, they will need around $1,000 per week.

There are schools that have contacted us to become part of the Giving Pack Project, however, at this time they are unable to increase the assistance due to limited funding.

Donations like the one given by YAP are vitally important for the Academy to continue this very worthwhile project.

If you are interested in joining YAP please contact the Rock Springs Chamber of Commerce at 307-362-3771.