We Need Your Help

Happy Summer!

We realize we are midway in our Summer vacations and thinking about back to school.  We have two unique opportunities for you to give back to the community if you can find the time.  Knowing our 4-H members they probably have a few minutes to help out with this one.

First we need books for our lending library.  If you are doing a cleanup at home and happen to have books you would like to donate we would love to have them.  We are looking for gently used books for all ages.  Younger readers tend to get from our library more than others but we would love books for everyone.  Since March we have had more than 150 books picked up from our library.  We have also had 70 books donated in that same time frame.  However we are starting to run short and would love some to support our lending library.  Having youth read from an early age helps battle illiteracy and we love that our youth came up with this idea to make reading fun and affordable.

Second Young Leaders 4-H Club has partnered with Covenant Worship Center & New Beginnings Church  to help collect school supplies for a community back to school event on August 1.  The list of items they are looking for includes:

• #2 Pencils
• Blue or Black Ink Pens
• Highlighters
• Crayons or Colored Pencils
• Washable Markers
• Pink Easers or Pencil Top Erasers
• Spiral Notebooks
• Loose-Leaf Notebook Paper
• Pocket Folders
• Index Cards
• Pencil Boxes or Zippered Pencil Pouches
• Glue Sticks
• Blunt-Tip or Pointed Scissors

To donate just drop off the items at our office.  We will have two specifically labeled boxes in the lobby and you can just run in and leave them there.  Of course if you would like us to know who is dropping off, let Jessica at the front desk know and if we are here (you know summer is a busy time for us) we will come out and thank you in person for your generosity.  If we are not here just let Jessica know you were here so we can give you a call, shoot you a text, or give you a big shout out.  You know how much we love seeing our 4-H Families.

Thank you in advance for any of these things you can help with,

Jade and Shea Ann

Helping Hands

Dear North Carolina 4-H Family and Friends,

We hope this message finds you safe and well. 

We are deeply moved by the overwhelming support and love we have received from across the nation. As we navigate the path to recovery in the wake of the recent devastation in our mountains, we understand that the journey ahead will be challenging. The winds may have destroyed homes, and the waters may have washed away the familiar, but amidst this chaos, we also witness the remarkable strength of a community united by a spirit that no storm can extinguish.

In times of darkness, communities like ours have shown time and time again that they can rise from the ashes of tragedy. We are more than the damage that’s been done. We are children's laughter, the hands that help one another, and the deep ties that connect families, neighbors, and friends. The heart of Western Carolina beats strong, and though the path may be long, it is in the process of rebuilding that true strength will emerge.

So many have asked how best to help, so we have compiled a list of potential opportunities. Please consider contributing to one or both of these efforts, and let this be a moment to remind each other that no storm is stronger than the human spirit.  Please visit our Helpful Hands, Healing Hearts Website for ways to participate. 

• 4-H Clover Care Packages

• The NC 4-H team suggests that adoption states, county teams, 4-H clubs, families, or individuals create and donate youth activity kits. These kits will provide opportunities for youth to be creative and engage in activities that provide distraction and a time for processing emotions through coloring, writing, or other means of active expression. Western NC counties have indicated their needs and capacity at this time, on the signup. Our sign-up will be updated monthly as needs change, so please check back often. Items we recommend, including in the kits now, are: 

• Coloring books & crayons/colored pencils: To encourage creativity and help them express their feelings.

• Winter clothing items: gloves, hats, scarves, coats, etc. 

• Blank notebooks or journals: For drawing, writing, or journaling to cope with emotions.

• Stickers: Fun and easy to use, adding a playful element to their creativity.

• Stuffed animals or plush toys: For emotional comfort.

• Small blankets: Cozy and comforting, providing a sense of security.

• Handmade cards or notes: Personal messages of hope and encouragement from others.

• Puzzle books: Simple crosswords, word searches, or mazes for distraction and mental engagement.

• Card games: Compact and easy-to-learn games like UNO or Go Fish.

• Travel-sized board games: For fun, easy-to-carry games that others can share.

• STEM activity kits: Simple science or engineering activities to stimulate curiosity.

• Bubbles: Easy to play with and lighthearted fun for children of all ages.

• Jump ropes: For physical activity and a way to burn off energy.

• Sidewalk chalk: To encourage outdoor play and creativity.

• Stress balls: To help manage anxiety and stress.

• Mindfulness or relaxation cards: Simple breathing exercises or calming activities.

• Storybooks: Positive, uplifting stories to distract and entertain.

• Toiletries: Small toothbrush kits, combs, and soap—practical items that may be missing.

• Reusable water bottles: Keeping hydrated while also providing something personal.

• Snacks: Non-perishable, kid-friendly snacks like granola bars or fruit snacks.

• Photos or messages of hope from peers: To help them feel connected.

• Temporary tattoos or wristbands: Fun and cheerful, offering small but meaningful excitement.

• Youth Belong Program Monetary Donations

• Many NC 4-H Youth lost everything to this storm. They and their families will spend years recovering. Funding for normal enrichment and summer activities will be the last thing on their minds. However, the ability to stay connected to their 4-H family will be an essential part of their healing journey. We invite you to donate funds to help youth in Western North Carolina affected by the storm to attend 4-H programs that they will otherwise not be able to afford. 

• Both our NC 4-H Honor Club and NC Volunteer Leaders Association are taking the lead on this effort. Monetary donations can be made by check to either. 

• NC 4-H Honor Club / Checks Payable to:  NC 4-H Honor Club

• ATTN:  Shannon McCollum, 4-H Youth Dev. Specialist, Box 7655 NCSU, Raleigh, NC 27695-7655

• NC 4-H Volunteer Leaders Association / Checks Payable to:  NC 4-H Volunteer Leaders Association

• ATTN: Diane Sturges, NCVLA Financial Officer, 12156 NC Highway 125, Halifax, NC 27839-9525

• Send a Western youth to summer camp and 4-H Congress scholarships are available on the Signup Genius.

• Donations can be earmarked for specific impacted counties and their general fund -or- specific 4-H programs if desired. Simply list this on the memo line of your check or in the note section via the online payment system. Program Areas include: Teen Retreats, Overnight Summer Camp, 4-H Congress. Proceeds will benefit 4-H programs in the West district of North Carolina.   

Together, we can bring hope and relief to those in need. Thank you for your kindness and generosity during this challenging time.

Sincerely, 

The NC 4-H State Team

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Day of Caring with Lumber River United Way

 

Lumber River United Way’s annual Day of Caring is scheduled for Friday, May 10, 2024. Lumber River United Way Day of Caring is an annual day of service that takes place on the Friday of Mother’s Day weekend. United Way invites organizations across Bladen, Hoke, and Robeson to come together to complete various projects that benefit the community. This is our biggest corporate volunteer event, with over 350 volunteers completing over 1,166 hours of volunteer service. Looking for a meaningful team bonding or building experience? Want to give back to the community?

 

A complete list of projects can be found at https://www.lumberriveruw.org/day-caring and on a first registered first served basis for signing up. Individuals and businesses unable to volunteer for larger projects may consider stopping by Lumberton Chevrolet Buick GMC Hummer, Bladen, or Hoke County Extension offices to sew pillowcases for patients, homeless students, and seniors for a 15-minute volunteer project!

 

 

Contact our Day of Caring liaison Tomeika Munn to learn more about how to incorporate Day of Caring into your organization’s community involvement plan.

This year Robeson County 4-H will be assisting with a pillowcase sewing project.  If you can't join us on the day of caring you can pick up a kit and complete it prior to the day of caring and drop it off at our office.  For more information on kits please contact Shea Ann DeJarnette or Jade McNeill at (910) 671-3276.

Lend a Helping Hand

  

 We need your help! Lumber River United Way has moved into a new office. Although these offices are great they don't have the room to put together their annual campaign materials to give out . So that's where our 4-H program can make a difference. We are looking for as many hands as possible to make light work of putting together almost 3,000 packets.

Please register to come in and help put together the packets on July 15, starting at 9:30 am, at the North Carolina Cooperative Extension, Robeson County Center office, until we are done. It doesn't matter if you can stay the whole time or help us out for a half hour. The more the merrier as we tackle this project like only 4-H members, families, and volunteers can. We are asking that everyone register through eventbrite so we can make sure everyone is recognized for their efforts, and our 4-H members are recognized for a community engagement project.  To register please click on the link:  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/4-h-community-engagement-project-tickets-673862239097?aff=oddtdtcreator

 We can't wait to see you!!!

9/11 20th Anniversary Opportunity

 Below is a community engagement opportunity for our youth to write a thank you note that will be included in care packages to first responders, service members and veterans.  The digital campaign is easy to do and free.  You can pick to what type of person you would like to send the note, and even pick the card.  Please consider encouraging your child or children to take part in this campaign.

Join us for National Day of Service by participating in the 9/11 Digital Letter Writing Campaign Email not displaying correctly? View it in your browser.

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Friends,   Tomorrow we will honor the 20th Anniversary of 9/11 and National Day of Service. Operation Gratitude is welcoming grateful Americans to express their appreciation for the service and sacrifice of first responders, service members, and Veterans through our digital letter writing campaign. Challenge America's CAVARTS community for Veteran artists has created the moving visual art and poetry for this campaign. You can select one of ten designs, type your letter of gratitude, and we will print this as a postcard and include in an Operation Gratitude Care Package. ​​​​​Please take 5 minutes to write a letter today through our digital platform HERE. We have a HUGE goal of 200,000 letters written through our digital platform by 9/12 and need your help! ​​​​​​Please take a moment to hear from Rose Mary, a first responder with NYPD, on why your letters of gratitude are so important. The platform is open now and will close at 11:59pm PST on 9/12. With Gratitude, ​​​ Danielle Tenconi VP Marketing & Communications, Operation Gratitude #ThankingAllWhoServe

Lumber River United Way Day of Caring

 

LUMBER RIVER UNITED WAY ENCOURAGES GIVING BACK  TO THE COMMUNITY YOU LOVE THROUGH ANNUAL DAY OF CARING United Way's annual Day of Caring is a volunteer event that brings the community together to create a positive impact on the nonprofits and human service providers that help those in need. Volunteers also tackle projects at local schools, churches, and city parks. Day of Caring is sponsored by Lumberton Chevrolet Buick GMC Cadillac.  Lumber River United Way’s annual Day of Caring is scheduled for Friday, May 7, 2021. Volunteers are encouraged to visit lumberriveruw.org/day-caring to find a complete list of projects happening at Lumberton Chevrolet Buick GMC Cadillac or at offsite locations from 10:00 am until 3:00pm.  Volunteers will begin the day with a kick-off rally at 10:00 a.m., free breakfast and Day of Caring tee shirt will be provided. Interested volunteers are encouraged to register before April 16 to ensure their preferred tee shirt size. A few volunteer work projects onsite and offsite identified for this year include: Blood Drive hosted by The Blood Connection  Knit-In event hosted by NC Cooperative Extension  Stuff the Truck non-perishable food drive hosted by Robeson County Church & Community Center  Adopt-A-Highway hosted by Lumber River United Way  Office painting hosted by Communities in Schools of Robeson County  Facility cleaning hosted by Robeson County Humane Society  A complete list of projects can be found at lumberriveruw.org/day-caring and projects are on a first registered first served basis for signing up. Individuals and businesses unable to volunteer may consider donating blood or dropping off nonperishable food items at Lumberton Chevrolet Buick GMC Cadillac on the day of the event from 10:00am until 3:00pm. All blood donations will generate a $10 VISA gift card to the donor as well as a $10 donation to Lumber River United Way’s COVID19 Community Relief Fund.  Unable to participate but would like to donate, click here. [Lumber River United Way] | [910-739-4249] | [tjohnson@unitedwayrobeson.org] | [www.lumberriveruw.org] DONATE Connect with us  ‌  ‌  ‌

Calling all Artists

 

Here is a chance to seriously go big and stay home, the Home Store that is.  The Church and Community Center is looking for some inspired artists to transform their home store. See their message below.

Last Call for local artists for our mural project!

We are seeking the help of local artists to transform our Home Store into a beacon of hope. We will be taking submissions for artists in 3 categories.
-Grades 9-12 ($1000 cash prize+materials)
-Collegiate ($2500 cash prize+materials)
-Working/Professional ($5,000 cash prize+materials)

We encourage submissions to reflect the themes of our community!

For more information or to submit, please visit our website https://www.robesontogether.org/mural-contest/! 

All entries must be in by April 1st! 

Turtle Trash Collectors

 

Join the Turtle Trash Collectors and New Hanover County 4-H Friday, March 12th at 12:00 p.m. for a fun virtual program where you will:

• Virtually participate in a simulated sea turtle necropsy (animal dissection)
• Learn how trash can get to the ocean
• See how trash in the ocean can impact sea turtles
• AND learn how we can all help stop marine debris!
Register in advance for this meeting: Friday, March 12th at 12:00 p.m. 
(All ages are welcome! Younger audiences should attend with an adult if possible.)  

Learn how you can participate in the Turtle Trash Collectors and Plastic Ocean project Marine Debris Art Contest following the program!

Questions: Contact J. Scott Enroughty, New Hanover County 4-H Agent.