• By Monique Pearce-Brady
• Posted Tuesday, August 11, 2020

“Hands to Larger Service” A Highlight on Community Service

“Hands to Larger Service” Community Service Project Highlight

Nationally, 4-H'ers are known for the services they provide throughout the community. Due to COVID-19, the 2020 Congress did not happen face-to-face. Since we were unable to meet face-to-face or participate in our annual community service project, participants were able to share the outstanding projects that they have done since attending the 2019 Congress.

Two of our participants, Laurelyn Ridge and Calleigh Wilson, shared their outstanding projects and how they are making a difference in our community.

Community Service Project Spotlight- Laurelyn Ridge

Laurelyn Ridge, of the Trailblazers Teen, participated in a special project offered by the Forsyth Jail and Prison Ministries during the holiday season. Laurelyn baked 13 dozen cookies and collected 19 dozen cookies from friends and family to donate to Forsyth Jail and Prison Ministries Cookies and Carols for the Holidays. Laurleyn attributes her success to her church family that assisted with her donation. As a result, Laurelyn donated 384 cookies toward the 3,000 cookie donation goal that the organization had for 2019.

During this event, volunteers minister and carol while handing out the cookies. To make this event successful, drop-off times should be coordinated by phone with appropriate parties. Only trained adults can distribute cookies and go caroling. However, youth can help bake and accept cookie donations.

If you are interested in participating in this project you may contact Brooke Stultz, Forsyth Jail and Prison Ministries or by visiting their website at https://forsythjpm.org.

Community Service Project Spotlight- Calleigh Wilson

Calleigh Wilson, of the Trailblazers Teen 4-H Club, conducted a workshop for seniors. She planned and delivered a Succulent Terrarium Workshop for Seniors. Calleigh was responsible for planning the workshop, purchasing supplies, and teaching residents of a memory care unit. As a result, ten senior residents of the memory care unit and four caretakers of the facility participated in the workshop learning how to make and care for a succulent terrarium. Calleigh also recruited three additional 4-H club members to assist her in conducting the workshop.

The residents and caretakers expressed their excitement while making the terrariums. To be successful Calleigh suggested you must be patient, be able to demonstrate by example, and speak loudly.

If you are interested in learning more about the 4-H program, please contact Monique Pearce-Brady (dmpearce@ncat.edu, 336-703-2856) with any questions.