4-H Delivers

Friendship Bracelets for Operation Military Kids

november 2009 088

The Issue

There are thousands of children in the world who have parents in the military. Most of them are often scared and worried, wondering if their mom or dad is safe. Many United States organizations collect comfort items for military children. These donated items give military kids hope and confidence.

What has 4-H Done?

On November 15, 2009, the Union 4-H club invited citizens of the San Benito County to join them in making friendship bracelets for military children at their local Veteran’s Hall.  4-H members and project leaders, including Erica Leung and Kelly McCullough, wanted to organize a group of people to touch the lives of military kids through friendship bracelets. The turnout was great!  Over fifty people of all ages attended the event.

Participants picked out their two favorite colors and created different patterns expressing friendship symbols.  Once every bracelet was made, each person slipped on a label that said, “This bracelet is a symbol of our friendship with you! Your friends in Hollister California.” The group made 130 bracelets! After all was done, the bracelets were packaged and sent to the 4-H Military Program office to distribute to military children across California.  The hope of this service project was that the beautiful works of friendship would touch the lives of these military children.

The Payoff

The 4-H workshop taught local community members how to think of others and participate in a service learning project. Attendees left with bright smiles on their faces, knowing that their contribution helped make the lives of many military children happier. 4-H club and community members plan to partner on additional service projects for military kids.

Authors: Chanda Gonzales, California 4-H Military Partnership Director, and Erica Leung and Kelly McCullough, San Benito Union 4-H volunteers