4-H donates to Operation Backpack

Washington County 4-H recently donated washrag bathroom carriers filled with toiletry supplies to Stewart Elementary Operation Backpack Program. The bathroom carriers were constructed by 4-H?ers at the Ready, Set, Sew! Workshop held March 18 and filled with items like toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, and deodorant.

Jenna Messer, member of the Washington Go-Getters 4-H Club, led this service project. The washrag carriers have special meaning to her. ?My Grandma, Donna Yoder, taught me how to sew. She helped me with my sewing projects for the fair and with the sewing classes held at the Extension Office,? Messer explained. ?She passed away in September, and as we were cleaning out her house we found more than a dozen of the bathroom carriers already made and enough materials to make 20 more, plus supplies to fill them. I am so happy to be able to finish the service project that she started before she got sick.?

Messer delivered 30 carriers filled with assorted toiletries to Stewart Elementary?s principal, Adam Miller, to send home in the backpacks.

?We have worked to incorporate community service into each of our sewing workshops which is a great model of what 4-H is about in giving to others,? explained Amy Green, Washington County 4-H/Youth Coordinator. ?With this project it worked out well that we could partner with the schools and send our 4-H?er made projects into our local community and provide personal care supplies to students.?

For more information about the 4-H sewing projects or community service opportunities contact the Washington County Extension Office at 319-653-4811.