I pledge my hands to larger serve.  This statement is part of the 4-H pledge and a cornerstone of the 4-H program.  In mid-August, several eastern Kentucky counties were impacted by devastating flood waters during a multi-hour rain event. Several counties were dramatically impacted by the flood waters.  School had just begun in Russell County, and this provided an excellent opportunity for youth to give back to young people their own age.  Engaging youth in a variety of community service opportunities allows them to learn the value of helping other people, lets them build self-esteem from the positive results of service, develop as sense of responsibility and of community, and realized that effective leaders also serve others.  

In mid-August, Russell County 4-H offered an opportunity for 4-H youth and the community do donate needed school supplies to help as schools in these counties went back in session in mid-September.  The items were delivered in early September.  Donated items supported both the students as well as the teachers for setting up classrooms.  Items donated included the following:  notebooks (wide and college ruled), loose-leaf paper, index cards, rulers, construction paper, composition books, pencils (regular and mechanical),  crayons, pencil pouches, pencil boxes, scissors, binders, pocket folders, graph paper, white board markers, eraser caps, chisel erasers, and glue sticks.  Some donations of hygiene items were sent to families as well; these items included deodorant, toothpaste, facial tissues, body cleansing wipes, and soap.  A conservative valuation of the donated items was $1,050.

In addition to the donated items, all Russell County third graders signed a card to be distributed with the items to the students and teachers.  The youth and community expressed gratitude to be able to give to the youth of the area in such a hands-on and meaningful way.