4-H Cares Packages

Auburn, Jan. 27, 2004 --- Last February, 98 young people from 23 counties attended Alabama 4-H’s annual Midwinter Teen Leadership Retreat at the Alabama 4-H Center.

The event theme was P.R.I.D.E.: Patriotism, Responsibility, Individuality, Dedication and Excellence, reflecting the desire of the youth to commemorate those who were serving our nation and keeping it secure.

In addition to attending workshops designed to enhance life skills that are basic to leadership development, the participants initiated a statewide community service project called 4-H Cares.

The youth learned what was needed to put together care packages for the men and women called to active duty in the Alabama National Guard. The youth then returned to their home counties and initiated 4-H Cares by organizing donations and by putting packages together.

The project has been a tremendous success. More than 1,000 care packages were gathered by 4-H’ers across the state and forwarded to Alabama troops. Part of the project’s goal was to send a little of Alabama by enclosing local newspapers and goods.

In Randolph County, more than 300 individuals, businesses, classrooms, groups, volunteers and 4-H’ers contributed items and boxes needed to pack more than 80 care packages. The average package was valued at $35 and contained items such as toothpaste, shampoo, combs, soap, deodorant, letters, notes, newspapers and written prayers.

Alabama Cooperative Extension System staff, volunteers, 4-H club members and parents organized, wrapped and mailed the care boxes.

The 4-H Council donated 4-H bears and paid for postage.

Teachers and volunteer leaders used the project to teach character education in their classes and clubs.

The Randolph County Extension office has received several thank you notes, cards and e-mails from soldiers. One note said, “thank you for making my day! The items you sent were desperately needed. It was nice to know that we are being thought of and to have a little piece of home.”

Chris Hardin, Extension coordinator for Randolph County, said one soldier, a local doctor who had been called to active duty, recently came by the office after his return to the states to say a special thank you for his care package.

In Elmore County, 4-H’er Lindsey Davis said the project was an important way for 4-H’ers to help others.

“By sending the care packages, we were able to let military personnel know that we care about them and that we are keeping them in our prayers,” she said.

SOURCE: Dr. Molly Gregg, 4-H Specialist, Alabama Cooperative Extension System, (334) 844-2263.

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