4-H members contribute hundreds of hours back to their community every year. Service is a hallmark of all 4-H programs, teaching youth about the importance of giving back, improving our communities and developing innovative solutions to solve problems. 4-H’ers learn skills such as teamwork, critical thinking, community engagement and build a sense of compassion, confidence and pride.
The Oglethorpe County 4-H Club has recently implemented a new community service project entitled “Students Serving Seniors”. Born out of the desire to have a greater impact in our community by 4-H Agent Marcus Eason, this service project brings young people together with senior citizens living in the county. Students perform assorted chores and yardwork that have become too difficult for the seniors to manage on their own.
In collaboration with the Oglethorpe County Senior Center, a questionnaire was distributed and interested seniors were contacted and appointments made. Despite illness, the weather, and even a hurricane disrupting plans, our 4-Hers helped 3 senior citizens in mid-December and early January. They decorated a Christmas tree, pruned bushes, raked leaves, and cut down bamboo. A total of 7 different students participated in this community service project including Audrey Green, Lyla Bryant, Devon Patrick, Danny Veasey, Alaina Waldroup, Katherine Horsley, Abigail Whitney and Frank Ligori.
In addition to being a wonderful opportunity to bring people together for a good cause on the local level, this project is part of a much larger movement. Our new Oglethorpe County 4-H AmeriCorps Service Member, Amber Waldroup is very excited about this opportunity. AmeriCorps Members participate in the National Day of Service to honor Dr. Martin Luther King’s passion for service. A service project is a requirement for AmeriCorps members and Mrs. Amber is thrilled to help bring students and seniors together in such an impactful way. Seniors have been blessed by the work the students have done and the students had the opportunity to serve others unselfishly.
The “Students Serving Seniors” service project has plans to expand. We hope to continue providing help to senior citizens in Oglethorpe County, and are working to expand this project to the City of Comer with the collaboration of the Mayor, Police Department, and Madison County 4-H.
If you or a loved one has need of our services, or if you or your child are interested in providing manpower on our next service day, please call the Oglethorpe Extension Office at 706-743-8341.
