Local 4-H members participate in a community day of service at the Tucker County Animal Shelter and packing supplies for the backpack program. About 20 members picked up litter, walked dogs, played with kittens and cats and helped prepare backpacks for distribution in all Tucker County Schools. Another project they completed was making bags for Police Officer Appreciation Week.
PARSONS – All 4-H members take a pledge to use their heads, hearts, hands and health for service to their communities and on Saturday, February 18, local 4-Hers rolled up their sleeves and lent a hand to two local organizations needing a helping hand. Tucker County WVU Extension Program Assistant Wendy Wolford said the event was part of the Winter Retreat.
“Our theme is ‘Using our hands to larger service’ and the kids have focused on community service,” Wolford said.
At the Tucker County Animal Shelter, members picked up litter, walked dogs, helped clean up the cat room and helped with other duties as needed. Following that, members helped with Backpack Buddies at the Tucker County Family Resource Network.
“We are packing breakfast and lunch items for distribution to kids in the county,” Wolford said. “We also made a donation to the program.”
Wolford said this is the first year for the program and said they hope to make it an annual event. She said there were a total of about 20 members participating in the event.
“Last night at camp we completed another service project,” Wolford said. “We made bags for Police Officer Appreciation Week. West Virginia State Police Cpl. J.E. Kopec came down and received bags for the State Troopers. We will be delivering the rest during the week. The bags contained candy like lifesavers because they are a lifesaver.”
Tucker County 4-H Extension Agent Jessica Streets said the kids were excited to participate in community service.
“The kids really enjoyed this, especially coming to and helping out at the animal shelter,” Streets said. “They stayed at camp and had a council circle last night. Instead of having the traditional Mingo, Cherokee, Delaware and Seneca tribes, they came up with their own names. They got to be creative and participate in some team building exercises.”
Olivia Sigley, an 11-year-old that attends Tucker Valley Elementary Middle School, is the daughter of Matthew and Michelle Sigley of Parsons. Olivia is a member of the Four Leaf Clovers 4-H Club. She said she was at the Tucker County Animal Shelter to help out.
“So far, we have walked the dogs and later we are going to help pick up litter,” Olivia said. “Last night, we made bags to give to the police officers.”
Tate Mullenax, an eighth-grader at Tucker Valley Elementary Middle School, said he enjoyed participating in the community service day. Tate is the son of Eric and Kim Mullenax of Holly Meadows and is a member of the Four Leaf Clovers 4-H Club.
“I enjoyed doing community service,” Tate said. “This gives the workers at the Tucker County Animal Shelter a break so they can clean out the cages while we are walking the dogs. I enjoy helping my community.”
“I enjoyed doing community service,” Tate said. “This gives the workers at the Tucker County Animal Shelter a break so they can clean out the cages while we are walking the dogs. I enjoy helping my community.”
Tucker County FRN Executive Director April Miller said the 4-Hers help fill about 70 backpacks with food for distribution in the schools. She said the need has grown.
“We also have a box at Tucker County High School where kids can go and take from during the day,” Miller said. “This is the third year we have participated in the backpack program. Several of the local churches started the program before that and we are just helping with the coordination with the program. We get the applications and make sure the program runs smoothly.”
Miller said food for the program comes from Mountaineer Food Bank and local donations. We also received a grant from the Tucker Community Foundation and sometimes we receive donations through World Vision.
“4-H made a donation of Pop Tarts and pencils to put in the backpacks,” Wolford said.
Additional information about the Tucker County 4-H Program is available by calling 304-478-2949 ext. 334. The office is located in the basement of the Tucker County Courthouse.
