This year’s National 4-H Week theme for community service was “4-H For Good,” in tandem with the upcoming theatrical release of Wicked: For Good. Whether 4-H members choose to be #teamelphaba or #teamglinda, they’re learning important leadership qualities and a service mindset to improve the communities in which they live. In fact, a recent study from Tufts University shows that youth who join 4-H are much more likely to enact positive changes in their communities. They’re:
- nearly four times more likely to make a positive contribution to their communities
- twice as likely to have the goal of being a leader
- twice as likely to report living life with intentionality and purpose
Living the Pledge
When youth join 4-H, they commit to pledging their hands to larger service for their community, their country, and their world. This commitment came to life this past April during the inaugural Wood County 4-H “Hands to Larger Service Day” at the Wood County Fairgrounds.
This first-of-its-kind community service event mobilized over 600 volunteers to complete a remarkable series of hands-on projects benefiting seven local organizations.
In a single afternoon, volunteers:
- packed a whopping 10,000 meals for Kids Coalition Against Hunger
- prepared over 30 bed components for Let’s Build Beds
- stuffed and sewed over 400 pillows for Hospice of Northwest Ohio
- created crafts, greeting cards, and pet toys, and planted nearly 90 flowerpots for senior centers
The concept was initiated by 4-H club leader Karen Kotula, who was inspired to expand local service efforts. The event was made possible by a generous but anonymous donation from a lifelong Wood County 4-H alum.
“Our family is honored to give back to an organization that continues to identify and meet community needs. We hope this support helps future generations experience the same growth, service, and leadership that 4-H has provided us,” the anonymous donor said.
4-H continues to identify community needs and defy gravity through its incredible efforts.
Little Hands, Big Hearts
Compassion starts young, and this summer, Vinton County’s youngest 4-H members—the Cloverbuds—proved it. Thanks to a generous grant from Joann Fabrics and Craft Stores, the Cloverbud Camp focused its summer service on supporting the Vinton County Dog Shelter.
The highlight of the project was the creation of 24 cozy tie blankets, which now serve as comfortable bedding for shelter dogs. The Cloverbuds also baked homemade dog treats and crafted heartfelt thank-you cards for the families who chose to adopt. This hands-on activity perfectly reflects the ideals encouraged in the “Beyond Ready: 4-H For Good” initiative, teaching youth to connect their skills directly to community needs.
The project concluded with the Cloverbuds proudly presenting their gifts to the guest of honor, Ember, a resident of the shelter, and its human, Grace Perry. Shelter representatives also used the visit to deliver a critical lesson on dog safety, instructing the youth on how to recognize signs of an animal in distress.
This service day wasn’t just a craft session; it was an impactful lesson in empathy, animal welfare, and community responsibility, ensuring that even the smallest 4-H members are ready to make a positive difference in the lives of those around them.
Share your “4-H for Good” story on social, tag others in your 4-H community, or tag National 4-H with #BeyondReady and #National4HWeek.