National Volunteer Week
salutes 4-H volunteers
Posted 5/1/03

Each year, thousands of volunteers in Minnesota donate their time and energy to make their communities a better place to live. These volunteers will be among the millions across the country being spotlighted during National Volunteer Week, April 27-May 3, 2003.

One group that relies on volunteers is the Mille Lacs 4-H program. This year 150 volunteers of all ages have served as club leaders, youth leaders and project leaders in various activities in the community. Many people who volunteer say they do it because they find it is personally rewarding and satisfying. For young people, volunteering is a way to gain experience, leadership skills and career skills. Volunteers assist with various tasks, such as organizing an event at the county fair, helping a child with a 4-H project or leading a community service project.

Tana Haugen-Brown, 4-H Regional Extension Educator states, łthe strength of the 4-H program lies in the breadth of the volunteers, and these volunteers are critical to the overall success of 4-H.˛

Every day volunteers lend a helping hand to make 4-H Youth Development Extension programs beneficial to the residents of Mille Lacs County. To learn more about becoming a 4-H volunteer, contact the University of Minnesota Extension Service - Mille Lacs County at 320-983-8317.