This past month has been quite the whorl-wind for our office. We have had many vacations, new staff, prepping for fair and on top of all of that, some sad news.

It is because of the sad news that we have learned just how important each of our 4-H families means to our county program and its members. Once the word got out about the natural disaster and the victims it took, 4-H families were calling in to see who needed help and what they could do. We have witnessed the same for families who have lost a 4-H’er while they were still in the 4-H program. It is just amazing to see that 4-H families are willing to help others before themselves. Some families we have heard about from others said that they just went to other 4-H families’ homes to help them start cleaning up their “mess” and rebuilding their life.

4-H instills in its members that helping others is a very important trait that will get your far in life. It is about “making the best better” and doing community service that matters. Throughout our many activities in the 4-H program, being compassionate and helpful toward others is something that we work on. We strive to make those lifelong friendships and make the 4-H’ers realize that it isn’t always about them.

We never really knew if this was actually happening in our 4-H’ers’ lives so when a huge, life-changing event comes along, and the 4-H families are calling or stopping in to see what they can do, is proof that we have made it happen.

We are very proud of our 4-H families for being so generous, kind, helpful, courteous and friendly when it is needed. Thank you! We are proud to work with such a wonderful group of people and we are truly feeling like Freeborn County 4-H is the best! If there are 4-H families out there who need help or want to give help, or just want information about the 4-H program, please contact the Extension Office at 377-5660.

Amy Wadding is a 4-H program coordinator in Freeborn County.