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National 4-H Month focuses on youth contribution to communityOklahoma In the last few months, Oklahoma County 4-H members have been a little more than just "busy." Not only have they helped build homes for needy Oklahomans, aided local food banks in stocking up on food, gathered up cold weather gear for kids who needed them, planted gardens at the Ronald McDonald House, and entertained at nursing homes, they have also been hard at work on their own projects and goals. And that, said Oklahoma County 4-H Youth Leader Kyle Worthington, probably won't change much in the upcoming year. "One of the key philosophies of 4-H is learning by doing," commented Worthington. "Our 4-H members pledge their efforts to improve the lives of others, but just as important are the individual projects and goals they have established for themselves." This October, Oklahoma County 4-H will celebrate "National 4-H Month" by kicking off the upcoming year with their Ninth Annual H.U.G.S. program. H.U.G.S. are new hats, underwear, gloves and socks that 4-H members collect all over the county. The youth take the cold-weather gear to area charities, including the Christmas Connection, Positive Tomorrows, Infant Crisis Center, Salvation Army and the Jesus House, where they will be given to kids who need them. "Don't be surprised if you see a H.U.G.S. box sitting somewhere in your neighborhood," commented April Adams, also a 4-H Youth Educator for Oklahoma County. "The 4-H kids work hard at collecting these items and getting our residents to help out." In Oklahoma County, about 18 4-H clubs meet on a regular basis. In addition to regular 4-H clubs, there are project clubs devoted to one area of expertise. For instance, the 4-H Shooting Sports club emphasizes target competitions and gun safety. The 4-H Robotics Club focuses on building a robot and competing with other groups, and two horse 4-H clubs involve members in equine-related activities. Oklahoma County even has a "horseless" horse club for kids who love horses, but do not own one. Most 4-H clubs in Oklahoma County meet at least once a month and then periodically for special events. "At any given time," Worthington remarked, "there's probably a 4-H club meeting somewhere or a club involved in some sort of community project." In addition to regular 4-H clubs, the Oklahoma County 4-H program also involves youth of all ages in programs through School Enrichment. Last year, more than 20,000 youth in Oklahoma County benefited from 4-H programs. "I bet there isn't a organization left in this county," Adams pointed out, "that hasn't benefited in some way from a local 4-H project." Oklahoma County 4-H is part of the youth program of the OSU Cooperative Extension Service. For more information about how to become part of 4-H or where to donate your H.U.G.S., contact the OSU Extension Center at 405-713-1125.
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