One of the missions of the 4-H Program is to develop leaders. The Warren County 4-H Program has an active 4-H Leadership Club which encourages youth to identify problems in the community and find solutions. During the pandemic many resources for learning were closed including libraries. Access to books for limited resource students were unattainable. In June/July 2020, one Warren County 4-H teen realized there was a need in the community to provide books to low income children so that they could continue learning throughout the summer. This 4-H teen organized “The Need to Read” book drive. He recruited other 4-H members and the local community to donate new or used books. He promoted the book drive on the local television station and also posted a promotional video to social media which received 1.5 thousand views. Nearly 1,000 new and used books and games were donated. A local elementary school who serves low income and diverse students benefited from the donations.   

Non-profit organizations faltered during the pandemic when normal revenue streams were decreased or cut off. In the fall of 2020, one Warren County 4-H teen took it upon herself to collect donations for the New Beginnings Therepeutic Riding Association, a non-profit who helps special needs children with riding therapy. A total of $500 in donations were collected for this organization. The director was elated in receiving the free donations.

During February 2021 the pandemic was still raging on. Elderly patients in nursing homes were still unable to visit with family members and social contact was very bleak.  To cheer up the elderly and special needs adults, members of the Warren County 4-H program created valentine cards. The “Valentine Project” was promoted to 4-H members in other Kentucky counties as well as at least one other state. A total of 1,181 valentines were collected and distributed to local nursing homes. Nursing home employees reported that the valentines really cheered up their patients. 

Janet Turley is the contact agent of the 4-H Leadership Club and worked with the teens on the above community service projects.