When an opportunity to apply for a relief grant to help those in need in our community effected by COVID-19 became available, the Montgomery County 4-H Junior Leader officer team did not hesitate to apply. To figure out what the needs were/are in the community, those businesses and organizations on the frontline of the COVID-19 pandemic were contacted about how the grant could benefit them at this time. While there many amazing opportunities to give back, the 4-H Junior Leader officer team decided that any grant money received would go towards the FISH Food Pantry in Crawfordsville.
Local food pantries all reported seeing a drastic increase in the amount of people receiving food. Therefore, 4-H members wanted to help in any way they could. The 4-H Junior Leader officer team was able to secure a $1,000 grant through the Indiana 4-H Foundation, thanks to the Nola Gentry Charitable Trust. With this grant money, five of the Junior Leader officers (Jenna Bushong, Drew Runyan, Ellen Laffoon, Morgan Swick and Grace Simpson) went food shopping to help re-stock FISH Food Pantry.
This awesome group of 4-H youth donated 366 pounds of food to FISH Food Pantry. Those that operate the FISH Food Pantry were ecstatic to receive these items. Those that operate the FISH Food Pantry were ecstatic to receive these items. They even took the time to explain to the 4-H members how the food pantry operates and what the need has been like over the last several months.
While there are so many needs not only in our local community but globally, these 4-H Junior Leader officers identified one way that they could meet the needs of others. They put others needs before their own and embodied the 4-H pledge and all it stands for. This is the heart of the 4-H program. If you have any questions about 4-H or want more information about programs offered, contact the Purdue Extension-Montgomery County office at 765-364-6363 or email asweet@purdue.edu.
Abby Morgan is the Montgomery County Extension Education, 4-H Youth Development Educator.
