Dawn Stuckey, 4-H Youth Development
4‑H is America’s largest youth development organization—empowering nearly six million young people across the country with the skills to lead for a lifetime. 4-H sees every child’s valuable strengths and real influence to improve the world around them. For over 100 years, 4-H has welcomed young people of all beliefs and backgrounds, giving kids a voice to express who they are and how they can improve their lives and communities. Hampton County has such a 4-H program.
On October 18, 2022, Hampton 4-H Club presented its project to Mayor Robert Brown and the Town Council of Hampton. 4-H Agent and club adviser Dawn Stuckey, Club President Luke Smith, and Club Vice President Grayson Bullard requested permission to install a registered “Free Little Library” in McMillan Park. The box will feature agriculture-related books, healthy lifestyles books, and other books and materials related to 4-H explained President Smith. Smith further stated that the book box resulted from the club’s community service project. “We wanted to promote agriculture and provide something for our community to enjoy,” he explained to Council. While discussing how the club could improve the quality of life for the club members and their community, each member had the opportunity to share ideas. Club members then vote on ideas, putting a plan in motion. Vice President Bullard further explained how the club accomplished this goal.
In April, the club planned and organized a bake sale to raise funds for the project. Each member worked to find family members and friends willing to donate baked goods for the project. Parents assisted in the price determination set by the club members, and from that point, the members took over. Vice President Bullard shared that the club raised “a lot more money than we thought.” He further explained that once the funds were determined, the club members voted on the design of the box and its placement. “We would like to thank the community for their support; because of their support, we were able to accomplish this goal.” After asking a few questions about placement, the Council agreed to allow the club to complete its project and place the Free Little Library in the park.
If you would like to donate books or funds to purchase books for this project, please get in touch with the Hampton County Clemson Extension Office at 12 Walnut St. E Hampton, SC 29924 or Call 803-943-3427 or email dstucke@clemson.edu.
Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service and South Carolina 4-H offer their programs to people of all ages, regardless of race, color, gender, religion, national origin, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital or family status and is an equal opportunity employer. To learn more about South Carolina 4-H opportunities in your county, visit https://www.clemson.edu/extension/4h/index.html or visit your local Clemson Extension Office.
Hampton County 4-H Club and Town Council. (L to R) Dawn Stuckey, 4-H Agent, Councilman Marvin Love, Councilman Kevin Brown, club member Adler Bullard (seated), Mayor Robert Brown, 4-H Club President Luke Smith (seated), 4-H Club Vice President Grayson Bullard, Councilwoman Beth Chafin, and Councilman Pete Mixson met on October 18, 2022, to discuss the completion of the club’s service project.
Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to people of all ages, regardless of race, color, gender, religion, national origin, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital or family status and is an equal opportunity employer.
