OGDEN, Utah — Members of the Weber County 4-H program recently dedicated their efforts to community service, assembling and delivering care kits to Weber County correctional officers. This initiative, undertaken on the eve of the anniversary of 9/11, aimed to express gratitude and appreciation for local public safety personnel, whom the participants considered "heroes." The young people involved, many of whom were born after September 11, 2001, utilized the occasion as an opportunity to give back to their community.
Samantha M., a high school sophomore and STEM ambassador with Weber County 4-H, explained her motivation, noting that service allows her to reciprocate what she has gained from the community. Caleb Hollingsworth, another participant from Weber County 4-H, shared a similar perspective, highlighting the satisfaction derived from helping others instead of focusing solely on personal needs. This collective spirit underscored the drive behind the service project.
The care kits prepared by the children included practical items such as water bottles and snacks. A total of 200 individual bags were assembled for distribution. The entire project was made possible through the support of an AmeriCorps grant, which funded the materials required for creating the kits.
Program coordinator Sharon Bee articulated the core purpose of the outreach, emphasizing the importance of providing correctional officers with a clear message of appreciation. She stated that it was vital to let the officers know they are valued, and that their work is respected and appreciated by the community they serve. This recognition was a primary goal of the 4-H members' efforts.
The young participants also shared their personal reflections on the timing of their service. Twelve-year-old Lani M. acknowledged that many people remember 9/11 as a profoundly difficult and "horrible day," referencing the events involving the Pentagon and the planes. She expressed the belief that acts of service can transform such a day, making it better through positive action. Lani further added that serving others generally contributes to people feeling cared for and acknowledged.
Following the assembly process, the children personally delivered the care kits to some of the correctional officers later that evening. This direct interaction provided an invaluable opportunity for the youth to meet the officers face-to-face and convey their gratitude, strengthening the bonds between the community's younger generation and its dedicated public safety professionals.
Daniel Moore, an ambassador for the 4-H program, voiced his aspirations for the initiative's broader impact. He hoped that other children would learn about the significant positive experiences and lessons that 4-H has provided him, encouraging them to seek similar involvement. Samantha M. also reflected on the broader message of their work, stating that their actions instill hope for the future generation and demonstrate that their contributions truly matter. Through this act of service, the Weber County 4-H members aimed to set a positive example of community engagement and appreciation.
