The impacts of the current pandemic, both immediate and repercussive, cannot be overstated.   Deaths, economic downturns and job losses are just a few of the struggles that we as global citizens are dealing with in a COVID-19 world.  That being said, there are certain populations who are affected by the pandemic now more than others.  The elderly have been much more vulnerable to the physical, emotional and mental effects of SARS-CoV-2, the virus behind the pandemic.  While implementing and enforcing many safety protocols, residents in our senior living communities are facing social isolation.  The need for an outreach program between 4-H and this senior population was identified at the October 15, 2020 meeting of the Campbell County Extension District Board.  To meet this need, this agent applied for and was granted $4100.00 Special Programs Request from the District Board to conduct 4-H Community Service Projects.

First, the activity directors and other workers at our local senior living communities were contacted and asked what was needed and how 4-H could help.  Needs identified included:  craft supplies, crochet and knitting materials, items for door prizes for bingo games and personal care items.  These items were purchased and delivered to The Seasons, Care Springs, St. Anne’s Convent and the Campbell County Senior Center in time for Christmas 2020.   

Second, a monthly Community Service Project Group was organized with 81 4-Hers participating over the 6 month period (November- April).  This group addressed the community needs through grab-n-go projects that members picked up at the extension office, completed at home and then returned completed projects to the extension office so that they could be delivered to the senior citizens.  Examples of projects completed were written personal notes with messages of “thinking of you” and “have a nice day” and a variety of craft projects.

As a result, the youth learned the value of helping others and gained self-esteem from the positive results of service and of giving back to others in their communities.  Over 400 senior citizens were reached with items and/or messages from 4-H to let them know others cared and were thinking of them during these difficult times.