CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Youth in Champaign County 4-H programs complete a large number of volunteer programs every year, ranging from working at and organizing food drives to singing for residents at area nursing homes. This spring, Champaign County 4-H Clubs were honored for their volunteer work in our communities with a STAR (Service Together Achieves Results) Award.
Each year, 4-H clubs through Champaign County hold a Warm-the-Kid Sew-a-thon where youth in the clubs work together to sew fleece hat and scarf sets to donate to local schools and organizations. This past fall, fifty-six 4-H members and adults participated in the event, sewing 191 sets of hats and scarves. After the event, volunteers contacted schools in our area ranging from preschool to high school to donate the sets. Twenty sites received the sets, including community centers in addition to the schools. These sites then distributed the sets to youth who needed hats and scarves.
For their work with the Sew-a-thon, Champaign County 4-H Clubs received the Dave Benton Difference Maker Award. According to STAR Awards organizers, “This award is given for excellence in community service. It recognizes extraordinary volunteer and civic efforts, which help build community spirit. Individuals or groups nominated for this award demonstrate the importance of doing what they feel is necessary to make a difference in the lives of people in the face of great adversity.”
The Jordan Drive Neighborhood Watch nominated Champaign County 4-H Clubs for this award, stating that “The Warm-the-Kid Sew-a-thon community service project is one example of numerous community service projects which Champaign County 4-H Clubs do every year.” In addition to the Sew-a-thon, youth in 4-H programs in Champaign County volunteer by making pet blankets and visiting animals at the humane society; doing crafts with and visiting residents at nursing homes; planting flowers at local parks; assisting with workshops at libraries; volunteering at local charities, such as Empty Tomb and Salt & Light; and much more.
Champaign County 4-H extends a heartfelt thanks to the Jordan Drive Neighborhood Watch for nominating the youth for this award and the Neighborhood Services Advisory Board for selecting the clubs as a winner.
4-H is a community of nearly 6 million young people across America who are learning leadership, citizenship and life skills. If you are interested in learning more about 4-H in Champaign County or in having your youth join the organization, contact University of Illinois Extension at 217.333.7672.
University of Illinois Extension provides equal opportunities in programs and employment. If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate, please contact the Extension Office at 217.333.7672.
— University of Illinois Extension
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