KRUNCHAID
Originally called Kids Reaching Universally For New Chances of Hope, and rebranded in 2022 as KRUNCHAID, FIRST® Team 79 strives to provide support to those in need locally, nationally, and around the world. While not completely inclusive of all of our efforts during the past 20 years of this initiative, these are some of the relief efforts we have supported.
Hurricane Ian Supply Drive
With catastrophic flooding and winds of up to 150 mph, Hurricane Ian devastated many areas of Florida and Cuba. Team 79 Krunch collected essential items which were distributed by the US Coast Guard to those devastated by the hurricane.
LETTERS FROM HOME PROGRAM
Team Krunch 79 believes in supporting our troops and veterans. In hopes of helping soldiers feel less separation from their families and friends, we wrote 100+ letters to combat troops worldwide as they worked to protect our freedom.
Memorial Garden for Pancreatic Cancer Awareness
In memory of a Rotary family member, The Interact Club of Krunch Robotics helped the Rotary Club of East Lake Sunrise clear an area at the East Lake Community Library for a memorial garden and to bring about awareness of pancreatic cancer.
AMERICAN CANCER ASSOCIATION
RELAY FOR LIFE
Over the course of 5 years, Team 79 Krunch members raised over $16,000 to fight cancer through the participation of Relay For Life events, collecting donations during Krunch’s “Turning Pink” campaign at FIRST® competitions, selling First Aid for Life kits, and pens. Our efforts are dedicated to our beloved mentor, Barry Leedy, who lost his battle to cancer in 2011
KRUNCH FOOD DRIVE
Team 79 Krunch members have collected over 500 lbs. of non-perishables foods and canned goods, feeding approximately 500 people as donations to FEAST, a local food bank.
AMERICAN DIABETES ASSOCIATION WALKATHON
Team 79 Krunch participated in three walks helping raise over $1,500 for the treatment and research towards a cure of diabetes.
CLEARWATER RELIGIOUS COMMUNITY SERVICES
Team 79 Krunch collected and donated over 120 pounds of clothes and shoes to Clearwater religious Community Services to help those in need in Pinellas County.
KRUNCHAID – UKRAINE DRIVE
In partnership with Epiphany of Our Lord Ukrainian Catholic Church, The Interact Club of Krunch Robotics (a.k.a. Team 79 Krunch) supported the United for Ukraine Supplies Drive collecting 200 lbs. of items to help those in need in war-torn Ukrainian.
SUPPORTING OUR FIRST® FAMILY
After being affected by Hurricane Katrina, Team 79 Krunch collected and delivered in-person personal necessities and school supplies Eleanor McMain High School in New Orleans, home of FIRST® Team 1920 – Hurricanes.
LEGOS FOR AFRICA CAMPAIGN
Team 79 Krunch completed 3 shipments, totaling over 400 lbs. of Legos, warm clothing, shoes, and toys sent to St. Teresa’s Convent for impoverished children in Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa. In some cases, this was the first time the children had new, good quality clothes and toys.
KRUNCH HELPING HONDURAS
Team 79 Krunch collected over 40 boxes of reusable school supplies and arranged for transport to a rural, one room school in Trujilo, Honduras.
KRUNCH ASSISTANCE TEAM
In the spirit of Gracious Professionalism®, in 2010 Team 79 Krunch established a help desk to assist other teams with “everything robotics” at FIRST® competitions. From mechanical, electrical and drive train to Chairman preparations and spirit, Team 79 Krunch wants all teams to succeed in spreading the word about STEM and FIRST®! In 2019, Team 79 Krunch members expanded their assistance to include supplying first aid kits and personal hygiene supplies in 2021.