In response to COVID-19 school, community and business closings, Marion County Cooperative Extension Service and the 4-H Program sought to address a community need to provide educational opportunities.  Due to COVID-19 social distancing, 4-H and Extension Programs developed 4-H To Go Kits and informational packets that helped to keep youth and clients informed and involved with 4-H and Extension programs during the pandemic.

Over 2100 informational packets were distributed through Central Kentucky Community Action in their monthly food distribution including recipe cards, youth Chop Chop Newsletters and Staying Healthy Newsletters.  Approximately 200 4-H To Go Kits were distributed to students who were learning remotely with NTI Days to provide engaging, hands on activities where youth learned by doing!  Kits included no-sew fleece pillows, bird feeders, salt crystal hearts, bouncing bubbles, foaming frosty snowmen, 4-H Binary code ornaments and string art ornaments. Parents who picked up the bags were asked to complete a registration form so that they could receive future 4-H information.  

The Smith family posted pictures of their Fizzy Snowman science kit on their Facebook page expressing their gratitude for the 4-H program providing them the opportunity.   The Bartley and Zink families signed up for the State 4-H Bake Along and have also posted finished products they have made as a result of attending the Zoom sessions.  Many families were appreciative of the free activities to help keep their children engaged in learning. Hand-washing information was discussed at the local radio station as well as promoted our Facebook page.  Recipes and videos with links for activities for kids were also posted on our Facebook page periodically.