The Sandusky/Erie County Community Foundation Youth Advisory Council has awarded $7,100 in grants for 15 community projects. The Youth Council is comprised of fourteen Erie County high school students from Sandusky, St. Mary Central Catholic, Perkins, Huron, Edison, Margaretta and Vermilion High Schools.

The Youth Council students visit non-profit organizations in Erie County each month during the school year to learn about community needs, in preparation for their grant making program in late spring. The Youth Council has awarded a total of $62,800 since its beginning nine years ago.

Funding for the 2009 Youth Council Grants program was provided by the Community Foundation, the Sandusky Rotary Club, the Mylander Foundation, and the Vermilion Lions Club.

Grants were awarded to the following organizations for 2009:

Project Share/ Margaretta

$500	Support for Holiday Toy Collection

Arc of Erie County/Perkins

$500	Provide Life Skills Program training

City of Huron Bicentennial Committee

$250	Sponsor the Bicentennial Celebration

Milan Churches/Food Pantry

$500	Provide food for needy families

City of Sandusky/Police

$738	Purchase Canine Ballistic Vest

Erie County Health Department

$400	Purchase Life Skills Program materials

Heartbeat Pregnancy Center

$910	Purchase computer for clientele education

Sandusky High School

$600	Support summer basketball travel

TEAM Warriors

$700	Fund Juvenile Justice Center youth retreat

American Red Cross

$300	Purchase 10 cots

Cancer Services

$200	Purchase laser jet printer

Care and Share

$450	Purchase a snow blower

Firelands Habitat for Humanity

$350	Purchase hand truck and cordless tool kits

Humane Society

$402	Purchase dog beds

Sandusky Bay Area Goodwill

$300	Upgrade computer memory