Heather Haines, 4-H Agent, UGA Extension Forsyth County
As the season of giving begins, families across Forsyth County are reminded that some of the most meaningful lessons do not come from a classroom. They come from serving others. When young people take part in community service projects, they gain far more than volunteer hours. They develop lifelong skills that shape them into thoughtful, capable, and compassionate adults.
Youth who participate in service projects learn responsibility as they show up, complete tasks, and follow through on commitments. These experiences teach them that their actions matter and that others depend on them. Service also strengthens communication skills. Whether they are greeting community members, working alongside adult volunteers, or speaking to local organizations, young people gain confidence expressing themselves in real-world situations.
Perhaps the most important lesson is empathy. When young people step into service roles, they begin to see beyond their own experiences and understand the diverse challenges others may face. Helping a neighbor, supporting a community organization, or assisting at a local event gives them a firsthand look at how even small acts of kindness can make a meaningful difference in someone’s day. These moments help youth develop compassion, patience, and a deeper awareness of the world around them. They learn to appreciate what they have, recognize the importance of community support, and discover the lasting joy that comes from giving rather than receiving. Over time, these experiences shape their values and inspire them to continue contributing positively to their communities.
Community service fosters a sense of belonging, too. When youth work side by side with peers, volunteers, and community partners, they begin to feel deeply connected to their neighborhoods, local parks, libraries, and the people who make those places thrive. This feeling is at the heart of 4-H. Belonging is one of the program’s core essentials, reminding every young person that they have a place, a purpose, and a group that welcomes them just as they are. Through service projects, youth see themselves not just as participants, but as valued contributors who can make positive changes in their community. They build relationships, develop trust, and experience the powerful realization that their efforts matter. This sense of belonging encourages youth to stay engaged, grow in confidence, and continue finding ways to give back, strengthening both their communities and themselves.
Youth and adults recently joined together for a community clean-up day at the Denmark Library, demonstrating the power of teamwork across generations. Armed with gloves, shovels, and plenty of enthusiasm, volunteers cleared invasive plants and refreshed the outdoor spaces that so many families enjoy during the Fall. Younger participants worked side by side with adult mentors, learning proper landscaping techniques, safety practices, and the importance of caring for shared community spaces. What began as a simple clean-up project quickly became a hands-on lesson in responsibility, service, and pride in their local library.
Additionally, through the Front Door Produce fundraiser, local youth turned fresh fruits and vegetables into an opportunity to support families in need. By encouraging neighbors to purchase produce boxes, participants helped fund local 4-H leadership programs while also giving back to the community. Thanks to their hard work, 680 pounds of produce will be delivered to Meals by Grace next week, ensuring that local families receive healthy, high-quality food during a season when demand is especially high. The fundraiser not only provided essential support to a local nonprofit, but it also taught youth the impact of combining service with sustainable fundraising.
As we enter this season of gratitude, families are encouraged to find opportunities for youth to engage in meaningful service. From food drives to environmental cleanups to helping at community events, every act of service becomes a chance to learn, grow, and give back.
Teamwork naturally grows through service as youth collaborate to meet shared goals. They learn how to listen to different perspectives, support classmates, and solve challenges together—skills that prepare them for future leadership roles. Service projects also encourage problem solving and creativity. When plans change or obstacles arise, youth adapt, think critically, and find solutions.