URBANA, Ill. – As a 50-year active Ursa Indian Grave Home Extension club member in Adams County, the late Leona Shaffer sparked a lasting love for Extension and 4-H. Over five generations, 42 Shaffer family members have contributed a combined 346 years of 4-H club membership. Their legacy is honored as the 2022 Illinois 4-H Foundation Family Spirit Award.

Leona spent many years as a host and officer for her Extension club, participating well into her 90’s. Many family members fondly remember Leona helping with their 4-H projects throughout her lifetime. Generations gained fond memories and skills that benefit them in their careers today.

“I have used and continue to use communications and leadership skills that I have learned through 4-H,” says Kaylyn Kirlin, Leona’s great-granddaughter. “It has translated into my career as a registered nurse, an active volunteer in my church, and in the children’s schools.”

Many 4-H members from the Shaffer family went on to volunteer with the organization, serving a combined 238 years as 4-H volunteers, including a combined 24 years of club leadership.

“Being a 4-H leader has been so rewarding,” says Leona’s granddaughter Carol (Shaffer) Hull. “Watching these members go from being shy and timid about giving a talk or demonstration or even speaking up at a meeting to holding an office and leading our young members in community service activities has been a great joy.”

The Family Spirit Award recognizes Illinois families who have benefited from 4-H and continue to advocate for the Illinois 4-H program over multiple generations. In addition to length of 4-H membership, families advocate for the county and state 4-H programs through their community service and philanthropy.

Gifts can be accepted in honor of the Shaffer Family at 4hfoundation.illinois.edu.

SOURCE: Angie Barnard, Executive Director, Illinois 4-H Foundation
WRITER: Carissa Nelson, 4-H Media Communications Manager

About Illinois 4-H Foundation: The Illinois 4-H Foundation’s mission is to build relationship to generate financial resources for Illinois 4-H. Funding from individual donors, our Illinois 4-H Project Partners, companies, and friends of Illinois 4-H help the Foundation support statewide programming initiatives along with scholarships, assistance to National events, grant opportunities, Teens as Teachers and assists us in filling funding gaps.