4-H Day at the state Capitol set for April 7, “Kids helping Kids” continues
Published: April 5th, 2015
OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma 4-H is dedicated to helping Oklahoma youth, families and communities reach their full potential.
As the 28th Annual Kids Helping Kids Campaign comes to a close, Oklahoma County 4-H’ers proved their determination, hard work and fundraising skills by raising $20,974.64.
The group’s “Kids Helping Kids” Campaign is one of the longest-running fundraisers in the state. Each year, 4-H’ers across the state asked friends, neighbors, local businesses and caring strangers for donations in exchange for a coupon to participating McDonald’s restaurants in Oklahoma.
Of the funds raised this year, one third will remain in the Oklahoma County 4-H program, one sixth will be given to the Oklahoma 4-H Foundation, and one half will go to the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Oklahoma City.
Ronald McDonald House is a non-profit that provides “a home away from home” for families with seriously ill or injured children who are being treated in the Oklahoma City area.
“I’m thrilled with this year’s results,” said Cynthia Klumpp, Oklahoma County 4-H Youth Development Educator. “It’s amazing to see the amount of effort 4-H’ers put into a great cause. I’m excited to see what the future holds for the campaign.”
Since the beginning of the campaign in 1987, $879,354.54 has been raised by Oklahoma 4-H’ers for the RMHC-OKC and county 4-H programs across the state.
4-H provides hands-on programming and events in a variety of projects that help youth learn the life skills needed to be the leaders of tomorrow.
With projects that involve working with animals, building robots, taking photographs, singing or even collecting bugs, Oklahoma 4-H has a place for everyone. The program’s goal is to provide a firm foundation to succeed in life for those who are willing to put forth the effort, no matter what career path is chosen.
This year, the annual 4-H Day at the Capitol themed “4-H – Creating My Future,” will be held on Tuesday, April 7 from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m.
“We will have 105 4-H youth from across the state of Oklahoma meeting with their legislators,” said 4-H Curriculum Coordinator Cathy Allen.
4-H members will provide information to elected officials about the Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service and the 4-H Youth Development Program, which encompass science, citizenship, healthy living and mentoring.
Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service county educators and area, district and state specialists develop science-based educational programs to help Oklahomans solve local issues and concerns, promote leadership and manage resources wisely.
“4-H members DaLacy Dockrey and Brianna Vick will have the opportunity to address Oklahoma legislators as they speak on the floors of the House and Senate,” Allen said.
“4-H Day at the Capitol allows 4-H members to actively learn and take part in the governmental process, become a better educated citizen, and develop multiple life skills that are beneficial for our futures,â said Oklahoma State 4-H President, DaLacy Dockrey.
“As I have progressed throughout my 4-H career, it is easy to see how 4-H provides unique opportunities, such as 4-H Day at the Capitol, to teach youth life skills, prepare us for our futures, and cultivate us into contributing citizens.”
“4-H has instilled very important values and life skills that I believe will help prepare me to succeed in my future,” Dockrey added.
The 4-H Study of Positive Youth Development shows that 4-H’ers are four times more likely to make contributions to their communities (Grades 7-12); two times more likely to be civically active (Grades 8-12); and two times more likely to participate in Science, Engineering and Computer Technology programs during out-of-school time (Grades 10-12).
For more information, contact Cathy Allen at 405-744-8892, the OSU Extension Center at 405-713-1125 or visit the Oklahoma 4-H website at 4h.okstate.edu.