|
For the past four years, teens in White County have been making a difference in their community. What these teens created has meant the difference between having and not having for hundreds of children in the county. The 4-H Kids Helping Kids Club has raised more than $25,000 which it has used to expand children's opportunities beyond the boundaries of what they ever thought possible.
Teens in the Kids Helping Kids 4-H Club realized that there were children in their own towns who didn't have the things they took for granted. "Money Shouldn't Matter" became a rallying cry for the teens, and their enthusiasm spread like wildfire.
These 4-Hers organized an annual benefit walk with a unique theme. One year, the group's route took them through the local nursing home to visit with residents. Another year, the participants collected signatures from area business owners. Still another year, members followed a treasure map through town, collecting goodies at each rest stop. Last year, the school's cross country team ran the 5-mile course to show their support for their 4-H friends.
Teen representatives of Kids Helping Kids are joined by adult representatives of the county's schools and service agencies to administer the funds and review requests. They also plan field trips for the youth, and the 4-H teens serve as mentors. The trips have included excursions to St. Louis for the theater production of Jesus Christ Super Star, a day-long trip to the Children's Science Center, and a Southern Illinois Miners Baseball game.
More than 150 families have enjoyed Summer Pool Packs, which include free passes to the pool, beach towels, goggles, water bottles and sun screen. And, more than 200 children have been outfitted with good used clothing for the start of school, as well as a package of new socks and undergarments and a new pair of gym shoes, courtesy of 4-H Kids Helping Kids. Individual requests have included fees for summer camp, band instruments, music lessons, sports uniform fees, Kids College registration costs, and dozens of other special needs.
For more information about 4-H in your community, contact your local U of I Extension office.
Discover More
|
