The Montgomery County 4-H Junior Leader program is filled with exceptional youth that are striving each day to live out the 4-H motto, “to make the best better.” Over the last few months, they have taken the initiative to do a few community service projects that they hope will make a positive impact in the community.
In February, Junior Leaders and some of our 4-H Club Leaders came together to participate with Kids Against Hunger. This organization aims to provide meals to those in need locally, nationally, and internationally. In just one-hour, Junior Leaders and 4-H Club Leaders were able to pack 20 boxes of food, equaling 4,320 meals. All food was distributed locally to families in need.
Thanks to the Youth as Resources grant from the Youth Service Bureau, the Montgomery County 4-H Junior Leader Officer team was able to secure a $500 grant to purchase food items to donate to FISH Food Pantry. In April, they went shopping for some of their most needed items in an effort to meet local needs. FISH Food Pantry reports that they see an average of 20 families each day, with a record high day of 60 families. Through this grant, they were able to purchase 430 pounds of food to donate.
Finally, to celebrate Earth Day, 29 Junior Leaders spent an hour picking up trash in downtown Crawfordsville. In just one-hour, they collected four bags of trash.
There are a variety of community service projects/opportunities offered through the 4-H program. If you have a child or know of a family friend that would be interested in the 4-H program, please encourage them to enroll. 4-H enrollment is still open. To enroll, visit https://v2.4honline.com. Have questions? Contact the Extension office at
765-364-6363 or e-mail asweet@purdue.edu.
Abby Morgan is the Montgomery County Extension Education, 4-H Youth Development Educator. The office is at 400 Parke Ave., Crawfordsville; 765-364-6363. She may be reached by email at asweet@purdue.edu.
