Success StoryGiving Back to 4-H Volunteers



Giving Back to 4-H Volunteers

Author: Shelley Meyer

Planning Unit: Harrison County CES

Major Program: Volunteer Development

Plan of Work: Unrelated to a specified County Plan of Work

Outcome: Initial Outcome

4-H programs could not thrive or exist at large quantities without the leadership of community members serving as volunteers. Individuals who are willing to donate time to educate youth in a variety of settings, either through projects, school enrichment, leader led clubs, etc. become the volunteers that help make 4-H a great organization in being able to offer youth multiple activities and opportunities in a multitude of interests and topics. A simple thank you can go a long way in showing these amazing individuals who volunteer how much their efforts mean to youth programming and positive youth development.

Pendleton County, Kentucky 4-H volunteers receive annual Christmas and birthday cards as a reminder of 4-H’s appreciation of them. This year, volunteers received an additional thank you with delivery of 4-H Camp Valentine cookies.  4-H had purchased 28 dozen cookies from the North Central 4-H Campgrounds to deliver to volunteers, 4-H Council members, and club leaders in Pendleton County, Kentucky. These cookies along with a hand-written appreciation card were transported to each of the volunteers’ homes as a small way to say thank you. This small gesture of appreciation made its way full circle by the unintended gratitude received in return through social media. Many volunteers made Facebook posts on how much a hand delivered thank you gift was appreciated. This public declaration of thanks shared the excitement that 4-H magic brings for those involved to other outside viewers of those social media post. The combined posts generated 175 likes and 16 comments. This appreciation gift offered a reminder to volunteers that their efforts within 4-H programming really does make a difference in their community.






Stories by Shelley Meyer


Homesteading Series

Homesteading Series

about 5 months ago by Shelley Meyer

The problemOver the last few years, the Harrison County Extension ANR, Horticulture, and FCS Agents ... Read More


Recipe for Life with High School Culinary Students

Recipe for Life with High School Culinary Students

about 10 months ago by Shelley Meyer

The problemHarrison County, Kentucky established Recipes for Life (RFL) in 2008. Homemakers from the... Read More


Stories by Harrison County CES


Homesteading Series 2024

Homesteading Series 2024

about 5 months ago by Jessica Hopkins

The problemOver the last few years, the Harrison County Extension ANR, Horticulture, and FCS Agents ... Read More


Homesteading Series

Homesteading Series

about 5 months ago by Shelley Meyer

The problemOver the last few years, the Harrison County Extension ANR, Horticulture, and FCS Agents ... Read More