Photo Credit: Faith Truesdale, Clemson Extension 4-H Agent
After last week’s storms ravaged our state, our local 4-H members in Florence saw a need and jumped in to help. They created the “Hands of Larger Service for Nixville” project. Our club members decided it was best for us to focus our attention on assisting the rural farm community of Nixville in Hampton County, which had been devasted from storm damage. Using social distancing rules, Florence County 4-H sponsored a drive to collect items the Nixville Community was in desperate need of, such as tarps, plastic totes, contractor-grade trash bags, cleaning supplies, bug spray, sunscreen, paper products, food, gift cards, etc. Items could be dropped off in bins outside of the Florence County Extension Office or at a local shed of one of our generous farmers.
Donations came in from Florence, Marion, and Darlington Counties. We were able to collect an entire truckload of donations over 48 hours and delivered them to Nixville on Thursday of last week. Upon delivery, the team was able to continue practicing social distancing rules while helping to unload and categorize donations. The best estimate of the total dollar amount of donations is well over $500 worth of supplies and gift cards, all collected in 48 hours.
April is National Volunteer Appreciation Month for 4-H. Our 4-H clubs had many different service opportunities planned but had to cancel them due to the COVID-19 pandemic. I’m so proud of our 4-H club members who came together for the greater good during a tragic time.
Submitted by: Faith Truesdale, Florence County 4-H Youth Development Agent
