#WyoStrong: Lander swimmers shave time for local nonprofit

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(Lander, WY) – Due to the Wyoming Swimming Short Course Championships cancellation this year, longtime Lander Swim Club Coach Jennifer Hudson Schaff wanted to help the swimmers set goals for improving their swims since qualification times do not mean as much this year.

For every hundredth of a second improvement, Jennifer would donate that amount to the Lander Care and Share Food Bank. Overall, they shaved off 343.98 seconds. So, on behalf of the team, Jennifer donated $343.98.

“Swimmers were also encouraged to reach out to family and friends for pledges for donations according to their progress, too,” Jennifer shared with County 10. “They could also choose other non-profits near and dear to their hearts, so the Lander Pet Connection also received a few donations.”

In total, family and friends added $524.60 to the food bank donation and $25 went to the Lander Pet Connection.

The Lander Swim Club does a community service project almost every year. Which has included helping with community meals and raising funds for the group home just to name a few.

“I think this one has been my favorite, though, so far because it was a big financial impact,” Jennifer explained. “The kids worked really hard to take off time, and the faster they are, the harder it is to take time off.”

“There are so many people in our community who are not too sure where their next meal will come from so we wanted to give back in some way,” Jennifer shared about selecting the Care and Share Food Bank. “No one can thrive on an empty stomach. Food is such an enjoyable part of our lives. During the pandemic, people not only lost resources to nourish their bodies, but they also lost the social aspect of being together. The Lander Care and Share Food Bank in conjunction with Feeding America can purchase 12 pounds of food for every dollar donated.  Food insecurity is a real thing in Wyoming and food banks can use both monetary donations as well as food donations to support community members in need.”