Youth leaders noticed that people in their community were experiencing hunger and housing insecurity. Wanting to make a difference, youth leaders Anna, Ava, and Kenzie used their Innovation Grant funding to make sandwiches and “blessing bags” for people experiencing housing insecurity in Wilmington, Delaware.
The youth leaders were inspired by the needs they saw in their local community. They wanted to give back and provide support to people experiencing hunger and housing insecurity.
The youth leaders organized a service project through their Unified Club, bringing students together during their weekly advisory period to make sandwiches and prepare donations for people experiencing housing insecurity in their community. The project also provided an opportunity for students to develop functional life skills, including sandwich making, packaging cookies, and counting grapes. Together, the students provided more than 140 lunches to people in their community.
The project directly engaged 88 students in giving back to their community. Through the experience, students strengthened functional life skills while learning how they can make a difference through service. The project also brought students together through the Unified Club, giving them an opportunity to work as a team toward a shared goal.

The service project will continue into the next academic year, with students planning to make sandwiches monthly during their advisory period. The youth leaders also hope to involve additional schools and broaden the project's reach throughout their community.
Reflecting on the project, the youth leaders shared how meaningful it felt to give back to their community. They were proud of how hard they worked and how the project came together. Through the experience, they also strengthened their leadership and teamwork skills and gained a deeper understanding of the importance of inclusion.