From WOOD COUNTY 4-H
When youth join a 4-H club, they learn and live the 4-H pledge, which includes: “I pledge my hands to larger service…for my community, my country, and my world.” On April 6 from 1 to 4 p.m., Wood County 4-H members, their families, and the general public will fulfill that commitment to service during the inaugural Wood County Hands to Larger Service Day at the Wood County Fairgrounds, 13800 W. Poe Road, Bowling Green.
This first-of-its-kind community service event is hosted by Wood County 4-H and supported by the Wood County Clover Legacy Foundation and 4-H Committee. Volunteers will complete hands-on projects benefiting eight local organizations, including:
- Building headboards and bed rails for 30 beds for Let’s Build
- Packaging 10,000 meals for Kids Coalition Against Hunger
- Stuffing and sewing pillows for Hospice of Northwest Ohio
- Creating “Senior Smiles” crafts and cards for the Wood County Committee on Aging
- Making greeting cards for Flag City Honor Flight
- Assembling dog treats and toys for the Wood County Humane Society and Wood County Dog Shelter
- Planting and decorating flowerpots for area nursing homes and senior centers
- Completing improvement projects for the Wood County Agricultural Society
The event will follow an open house format, allowing volunteers to arrive at any time and stay as long as they wish. However, two projects require pre-registration:
- Let’s Build – 50 volunteers needed
- Kids Coalition Against Hunger – 100+ volunteers needed
To sign up or learn more, visit cloverlegacy.org/serviceday.
Inspiring Youth to Give Back
The concept for a county-wide service day was initiated by longtime 4-H club leader Karen Kotula, whose club, Dowling Stitch, Stir, and Stock 4-H, previously participated in a Let’s Build Beds event. Inspired by the impact, she proposed expanding the initiative to include more Wood County 4-H clubs. With the support of a generous anonymous donation to the Wood County Clover Legacy Foundation, this vision became a reality.
“When Karen introduced the idea to the Wood County Clover Legacy Foundation, it was a perfect opportunity to highlight how 4-H youth give back to their communities through their clubs and service projects,” said Ashley Vetter, president of the Foundation. “This initiative showcases how 4-H extends far beyond agriculture. Through hands-on community and leadership projects, 4-H empowers young leaders to make a lasting impact.”
The anonymous donor, a lifelong 4-H member and Wood County 4-H alum, shared, “The 4-H Pledge calls us to use our heads for clearer thinking, our hearts for greater loyalty, our hands for larger service, and our health for better living. This donation reflects that commitment. Our family is honored to give back to an organization that continues to identify and meet community needs. We hope this support helps future generations experience the same growth, service, and leadership that 4-H has provided us.”
Get Involved
All community members are welcome to participate in Wood County Hands to Larger Service Day. Whether for an hour or the entire afternoon, volunteers can make a difference and experience the impact of 4-H firsthand.
For more information, visit cloverlegacyfoundation.com/serviceday.
