Jordan Beck | Daily Press Youth Assistance Program (YAP) of Delta County President Lacy Lauzon is pictured. People interested in supporting YAP can do so by submitting donations in envelopes included in today’s issue of the Daily Press.

ESCANABA — For more than three decades, the Youth Assistance Program (YAP) of Delta County has been working to meet the needs of local youth. People interested in supporting the program can do so by submitting donations in envelopes included in today’s issue of the Daily Press.

YAP President Lacy Lauzon said the program is now in its 31st year.

“It got started as part of the Altrusa Club, when they recognized that educators and people helping youth in the community were spending a lot of their own money to help kids with outstanding needs,” she said.

While Altrusa is no longer active in the area, YAP has continued on.

“In ’93, it became … an organization of its own,” Lauzon said.

When it was first established, YAP started with about $1,000 to spend. Now, it spends about $20,000 annually.

“We have a lot of dedicated donors and service groups who provide donations,” Lauzon said.

YAP funds are not given directly to students’ parents or guardians. Instead, adults working with these students in schools and other community organizations submit grant requests, typically for up to $150 per student per year. Then, these adults shop with or for students to meet their needs.

“They ensure that the money goes to the right place,” Lauzon said.

Many of the grant requests fulfilled by YAP are for items such as clothing, shoes, winter gear and school supplies. Others cover students’ fees for participating in school sports, clubs, field trips and the like.

Additionally, YAP has fulfilled some less typical grant requests. These have included a mattress with a waterproof cover, a puppy for a student who experienced a loss in their family, and even a chainsaw.

“His family earned a living by cutting firewood, and he wanted to be able to contribute to that,” Lauzon said of the student who received the latter item.

This student has continued to cut firewood, which he now donates to families in need. Other students supported by YAP have been inspired to give back to the community after reaching adulthood, as well.

“It’s … a cycle of gratitude,” Lauzon said.

Lauzon also noted the program is entirely volunteer-based, and — outside of its limited insurance costs — it has no expenses to speak of.

“There’s no funded staff or overhead or anything,” she said.

Office space for YAP is donated by Great Lakes Wealth Advisors.

Lauzon thanked other YAP volunteers for making the program’s continued operation possible.

“It’s pretty amazing that we have 31 years and we continue to provide for thousands of kids in our community,” she said.