The Oldham County Needs Assessment identified Community Vitality as an area requiring a priority response specifically in regards to future leadership, involving citizens to address local issues and effective cooperation between community organizations.  The Extension and 4-H Councils took this opportunity to strengthen community outreach and put these priorities into action addressing the community hardships resulting from the pandemic.  

Extension reached out to Highpoint Ministries, the Oldham County Food Bank, to offer support securing food for the increased holiday need.  Highpoint Ministries indicated food levels were secure at that time and the children toy drive was in danger due to the loss of a donor as a result of the economic downturn, the Extension Service put a Toy Drive into action.  The Extension Service and 4-H volunteers secured over 581 items for the Toy Drive surpassing our goal of 500 items, donations estimate total was over $5800.

4-H Agent and EFNEP Assistant taught  a herb garden workshop at Highpoint Ministries reaching over 21 Hispanic youth.  Each young person took home their own herb garden to cultivate.

Good News Home aids displaced or at risk families find housing and other needed resources to help them become or stay self-sufficient.   Oldham County 4-H staff, volunteers and families provided 20 food baskets including hams, potatoes, macaroni and cheese, green beans, corn and rolls to the families Goods News Home served during the holidays, donation estimates totaled over $600.

Community organizations working together certainly lighten the hardships of Oldham County families during the holiday season.