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Ohio 4-H Youth Development

Ohio State University Extension

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4-H Members Offer Helping Hands to Communities

The Indian Clover Tribe 4-H Club donating 40 pizzas to staff at Southern Ohio Medical Center.

I pledge … my hands to larger service … for my club, my community, my country, and my world.

"Hands to larger service" has been part of Ohio 4-H since the organization began. Giving back to communities to make them a better place to live is a hallmark of the program. Although 4-H members are currently not able to meet in person, many clubs have come up with creative ways for their members to complete service projects while staying home. 

In Scioto County, the Ohio State University Extension Office shared information from Scioto County Emergency Management about how to make and donate masks for those in need. 4-H members, volunteers, and their families contributed to the effort.

In Scioto County, The Indian Clover Tribe 4-H Club in Lucasville used club funds to donate 40 pizzas to the staff at Southern Ohio Medical Center (SOMC).  “Each year we complete at least three community service projects to teach our members the importance of giving back,” said Julie Hickerson, the club’s organizational advisor.  “This year our first community service project was to show our thanks to SOMC during the Covid19 pandemic. The club also challenged other Scioto County 4-H clubs and those around the state to show their support for essential workers. They are the largest club in Scioto County, with more than 60 members. A bird feeder made by a Scioto County 4-H member.

Another Scioto County club, the Greensprouts, completed two service projects so far this year. Greensprouts member Katie Rigsby said, “We made cards for local nursing homes to help cheer them up during this time, since they can’t have visitors. We are also making bird feeders for the nursing home to hang outside the residents' windows.”  And at the club’s most recent virtual meeting, they voted to make masks and goodie bags for the staff at local nursing homes.