Help support our 4-H participants

To the editor:

2020. What a year so far.

One most of us would like to forget, but one that will go down in history and be discussed for years to come.

While it has been a challenge for everyone, it has been an even bigger challenge for the kids trying to go through it. Not allowed to go to school, compete in sports, missing a traditional graduation, prom, unable to go and play at parks, hanging out at the pool and simply being isolated from friends and some family, kids have certainly lost a lot.

While it has been challenging at times, the Jay County 4-H Council, officers and executive committee have worked hard for several months to try and organize and plan a 4-H fair that abides by the regulations of state, county and local health departments and government, so the kids of 4-H have the opportunity to show off their skills and their hard work and feel even a little bit of normalcy to their summer.

With several local business being affected with loss work and employees, and the additional regulations it would require to try and have a traditional 4-H auction, after lengthy discussions and planning, it was decided that this year a traditional auction would not occur. However, as officers and council members we still wanted the opportunity for the eligible 4-H kids to receive some monetary support for all the time and money they have put into their projects.

With this said, this year we are accepting donations for any amount and from any business, family, neighbor or supporter of kids and the 4-H program. Donations are being accepted at the Jay County Extension Office from now until July 17. All money that is collected will be split at the completion of the fair all between members that would have been eligible and signed up for the possible auction. Eligible kids will then get a check. The more money that is donated, the more money eligible kids will receive.

There will be no add on, there will be no spending a lot of money on a special kid because their folks bought a new tractor, there will be no buying a part of the grand champion and getting a picture in the paper. This year it is all about supporting the kids, their hard work and dedication.

No amount of money is too small from $25 to $1,000, from an individual to the largest county business, any and all donations are welcome.

Checks can be made out to Jay County 4-H. While we cannot erase what the kids have experienced from this year, help us at least make one memory a little brighter and help us say we appreciate the kids drive and hard work to keep going forward.

Thank you.

Dru Mercer

Jay County 4-H Council vice president