Each year, Illinois 4-H recognizes clubs that demonstrate a strong commitment to service, with an emphasis on youth leadership in planning and carrying out their projects. Among the clubs honored for their service work was the Delong Livestock 4-H Club of Knox County, shares Extension’s Wendy Ferguson.
“They purchased Christmas gifts for two different Angel Trees—one from Boots and Blessings and the other from Lutheran Social Services. They also visited the Knoxville nursing home, spending an afternoon playing bingo and visiting with the residents. One of the kids said it was the most fun they’d had, especially when they won a bingo game and were able to choose a prize to give to a resident. They were very excited about that.
“They also participated in the National Day of Service by cleaning up the Knox County Fairgrounds. They partnered with the Master Gardeners to clean and refresh the flower beds around the fair garden so everything will be ready for fair season.”
Ferguson adds that the Delong Livestock 4-H Club was also recognized as a recipient of the Project Learning Club Award, which honors clubs whose members work together to learn about a specific project area through hands-on activities.
“They learned as a club and formed a Livestock Judging Team,” says Ferguson. “That means they learned what to look for in good-quality livestock, how to judge individual animals, and the care that goes into raising them. Because of their commitment to this project, they were recognized with the Project Learning Award.”
The club’s year-round efforts earned them a place among this year’s recognized Illinois 4-H groups.
