The Sandusky/Erie County Community Foundation Youth Advisory Council has awarded $10,000 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 $35,000 since its beginning seven years ago.

Funding for the 2008 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 2008.

American Red Cross

$200	for building security lights

Back to the Wild

$1,000

for facility improvements

Big Brothers, Big Sisters

$800	for curriculum materials

Boys and Girls Club

$250	to purchase conference room furniture

Center for Cultural Awareness

$450	for a Youth Empowerment program

City of Sandusky

$1,000

for summer playground programs

Edison Birthplace Museum

$300	for a fireproof safe

Humane Society

$1,400

for a washing machine, fax machine and kitty litter

KinShip

$745	to purchase a refrigerator

Sandusky Artisans

$540	to support an arts education program

Stein Hospice

$500	for video games for the children's area

Team Warriors

$1,000

for a mentoring program at the Juvenile Center

Volunteers of America/Helpmates

$500	to purchase clothing for residents of the homeless shelter

Volunteers of America

$815	to purchase a new computer

Volunteer Center

$500	for the Kids Care Clubs

Volunteers of America

$1,000

To purchase playground equipment for the Crossroads Shelter