NEWS RELEASE – SUBMITTED BY Anne Scheel UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS EXTENSION, Bureau-LaSalle-Marshall-Putnam Unit 4-H’ers all across Marshall and Putnam counties were given a challenge while staying at home. They are taking part in a community service project to make masks to support essential workers during the COVID-19 crisis. “Service is a big part of being a 4-H member and this is a good time to utilize their skills or learn a new ones to benefit others,” stated Anne Scheel, 4-H & Youth Development Program Coordinator for University of Illinois Extension, Marshall-Putnam counties. Each youth who rose to the challenge was provided with materials to make two masks. They were asked to have their parents share them with members of our communities that go to work every day for the rest of us to have essentials like food, medicine, gas, etc. Those youth were encouraged to find material at home to make more if they could. “I am very proud of how our 4-H leaders and members have taken part in this community service project,” stated Anne Scheel. Visit our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/blmp4H/ for ideas and activities. The Mission of University of Illinois Extension is to provide practical education you can trust to help people, businesses and communities solve problems, develop skills and build a better future. Visit our website at https://extension.illinois.edu/blmp . If you have questions or need more information please call University of Illinois Extension – Bureau, LaSalle, Marshall, Putnam Unit at 815-224-0889. Extension offices are located in Princeton, Ottawa, Henry and in Oglesby on the IVCC campus.