[ May 05, 2022 ] In 4-H, youth promise their hands to larger service and that means they are to get out in their community and help where and when they see a need. On April 9th, many Pickens County students were still tucked in their beds asleep as it was the last weekend of Spring Break. However, Pickens County Jr. and Sr. 4-Hers in grades 7-10 answered the call for help at the Pickens Pregnancy Center.

The center was hosting their Family Fair Day and wanted different community groups and churches to have booths where the children could come play. In doing so, the center's goal was to connect families with resources in their community and to encourage families to get involved with these different groups through the connections they made that day.

But nobody expected the odd and severe change in weather that morning. It was freezing cold and it even began snowing during the event. Despite the weather, 4-Hers kept energized as they greeted the families that came out that day. According to Patti Johnson, the communications director for the center, the fair drew more than 350 people that day.

The 4-H booth had three major parts. The first part was based on nutrition with a game of identifying fruit. After identifying the fruit, children were told the importance of fruit in the diet. Next was Pin the Tail on the Cow. This part of the booth was sponsored by our local Georgia Farm Bureau.

The last part was the Lifetime for Literacy portion. Here families were told about the Ferst Program where children up to the age of 5 could receive a free book every month. Parents that weren't a part of the program already were given the chance to sign up on the spot. To encourage reading all children were given a book that was part of a book drive that 4-Hers had done earlier this year.

Despite the weather, all the 4-Hers enjoyed being a part of this day helping their community. Thank you goes to the Pregnancy Center for letting us be a part of this great event.

4-Hers at the event that day were Sarahi Flores, Sheila Flores, Amelia Hooker, Molly Hooker, Ryan Johnson, Dylan Lo, Micah Newton and Sophia Scott. Reese Davis also came, but we had to close up before she arrived because the intensity of the cold just got to be too much. A big thank you also goes to Amanda Lo as she was the mom who stuck it out with the group and was very instrumental in telling parents about the Ferst program.

If you want to learn more about Pickens County 4-H and find out how a child in your life can get involved look at our 4-H page at Georgia 4-H Pickens County, go by the local office located in the Pickens County Chamber Building on the right, or call at 706-253-8840.