Thank You!

"Thank you, this is a blessing for so many." That was Helen Rogers's words as Sandy Locklear, a volunteer with her organization, and two Extension Staff members carried in box after box filled with the more than 300 pounds of canned goods and nonperishables that our 4-H members, parents, and volunteers donated as part of 4-H Youth Achievement night. Rogers could not stop smiling as she realized her empty food pantry shelves would not only be full when we got done, but overflowing.

Rogers is the director of His Little Ones, a pregnancy support group that helps mothers with the support they need for their babies. Thanks to donations from the public the group is able to offer mothers with financial needs necessities such as diapers, bottles, clothes, and even food. A recent church community service project brought the need of the organization to the attention of the 4-H Staff. With our 4-H Hungry to Help canned food drive looming on the horizon it seemed like a perfect fit for our 4-H members to help our future 4-Her's and their families.

4-H Hungry to Help is a state wide initiative to address the issue of hunger in our state. Although most people don't realize it, hunger effects one out of five people in the state of North Carolina. The 4-H Hungry to Help campaign was designed as a partnership with the area food banks to bring awareness to the issue of hunger in this state and allow our youth to practice being citizen leaders and address this issue right in their own communities. As we move forward over the next year or two the 4-H Hungry to Help initiative will play a large part in our community service projects and overall programs.

To learn more about 4-H Hungry to Help please check this site. Click here to educate yourself about hunger in America.