4-H recognizes volunteers who inspire a generation

Volunteers are the heart of Illinois 4-H, and the University of Illinois Extension 4-H Youth Development program salutes volunteers in Bureau, LaSalle and Marshall-Putnam counties, during National Volunteer Week, April 19-24.

National Volunteer Week is about inspiring, recognizing and encouraging people to seek out imaginative ways to engage in their communities. It's about demonstrating that by working together, communities have the ability to meet challenges and accomplish goals. “Our numerous volunteers are the lifeblood of our program, offering their own unique skills and knowledge to help educate our youth.  We are immensely grateful for the time, energy, and dedication they provide our 4-H Program,” says Danielle Gapinski, Bureau County 4-H Program Coordinator.

“Our many 4-H Volunteers are engaged in taking action and encouraging 4-H members to provide service to others and their community,” said Toni Pienta, LaSalle County 4-H Program Coordinator.  National Volunteer Week encourages people to be engaged in their community. 4-H volunteers are actively engaged in their communities by impacting the lives of youth, sharing time and talents with youth through 4-H clubs, Special Interest clubs, after-school programs, workshops and camps. In addition, many volunteers provide a role at local 4-H shows and county fairs as superintendents and judges who contribute significantly to the positive growth and development of 4-H members through the exhibit and judging process. “Each volunteer brings with them different life experiences that help our youth learn and grow, “says Anne Scheel, Marshall-Putnam 4-H Program Coordinator.

4-H volunteers are empowering and preparing youth for success as 4-H members provide service to others and their community. Today’s 4-H youth are engaged in learning activities as they are practicing skills employers want; growing and distributing food to communities in need; stewarding the natural resources; making a difference in local, state, national, and global issues; and influencing positive choices for healthy living. None of that would be possible without our volunteers who help to lead and Mentor 4-H participants.

4-H volunteers, share their skills and experiences to help transform a new generation of confident, young leaders. Do you have a passion, skill, or talent that you would like to share with young people? You can make a difference in the lives of young people by teaching them skills that they can use the rest of their lives. For more information on 4-H and becoming a 4-H volunteer, contact your local University of Illinois Extension office in Bureau, LaSalle and Marshall-Putnam counties or call 815-224-0889. Extension offices are located in Princeton, Ottawa, Henry and in Oglesby on the IVCC campus.

University of Illinois Extension provides equal opportunities in programs and employment.

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