As the largest and only research-based youth development organization in North Dakota, the 4-H program – managed by NDSU Extension – provides learn-by-doing experiences to help children ages 8-18 develop skills and values that will carry them for the rest of their lives.
The 4-H pledge is as follows:
I pledge my Head to clearer thinking,
my Heart to greater loyalty,
my Hands to larger service,
and my Health to better living,
for my club, my community,
my country, and my world.
For the last two years, the children and volunteers of Burleigh County 4-H have been turning that pledge into action with a World Wear drive to gather shoes for use in third-world countries.
The World Wear Project buys gently-worn clothing by the pound from organizations such as Burleigh County 4-H and sells them at very affordable prices to people internationally who might otherwise be unable to afford them. For Burleigh County 4-H, the money raised from the drive has been used to send 4-Hers to camp.
Donating to those less-fortunate has been a mainstay of Burleigh County 4-H; according to Amelia Doll, the 4-H Youth Development Agent,
“We have done a variety of service projects for those in our community and those abroad. One year, our 4-H ambassadors (high school youth) collected hundreds of books to help build a library in Uganda. We collected so many books that the organization we were sending them to (Grassroots Uganda) had to figure out multiple ways to get the books over to Africa. They were able to open several libraries because of our one drive. A part of the 4-H pledge is “I pledge my hands to larger service,” and our organization tries to ensure that we are providing opportunities for our youth to do that. With the World Wear project, it was a service project, but was also an opportunity for us to support 4-H camp scholarships for Burleigh County 4-H youth.
So far, 4-H has shipped off roughly eight boxes, each weighing 65 pounds, and has another three ready to go.
The group is currently gathering shoes for another shipment and would greatly appreciate your donations as you change your footwear for the season. If you have shoes in usable condition (no boots, please), they can be dropped off at the Burleigh County 4-H Building at 3715 East Bismarck Expressway in Bismarck from 8 am – 5 pm Monday through Friday.
Thank you to all of the volunteers and administrators of Burleigh County 4-H for all that you do for our North Dakota youth!
North Dakota Nice 