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Self-care, food baskets being handed out to youth

Connect Youth is making sure youth have what they need during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Self-care and food baskets are being dropped off to youth in Prescott.  

Program Manager Victoria Robertson says Connect Youth is looking for opportunities to grow the new program to serve all of Leeds and Grenville. She noted the funds, totalling $4,750, to launch the initiative came from the United Way. Local municipalities are also pitching in, with $500 donations. 

Robertson explained Connect Youth, based out of South Grenville District High School, used to see 30 youth per day and at least half accessed food on a regular basis. She says the baskets are a way to continue meeting needs during this unprecedented crisis.  

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Robertson noted the self-care baskets contain things like packs of cards, art supplies, writing materials, personal hygiene items and other fun stuff to brighten people’s day. 

“We recognize that many people, youth included, are struggling with mental health challenges right now and may be feeling isolated or depressed,” she says. “If we can bring a smile to someone’s face, then we’ve done our job.”

The food baskets contain snacks and light meals, including spaghetti and pasta sauce. Robertson explained the baskets also have information about local resources available to people, such as food banks and Children’s Mental Health of Leeds and Grenville.  

Ten baskets have been handed out so far and 20 more ready to go. 

People interested in receiving a basket can contact Robertson directly by calling or texting 613-918-0173. You can also reach out to Connect Youth through Facebook or Instagram. 

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