This month in Tri-Gal 4-H action, we completed our December community service projects. 

December is always a busy month because of the holidays, and we try to do everything we can to help those in need. 

First, we donated over 74 pounds of food and bulk paper products to the Damascus Food Pantry. 

Next, we collected coats in respectable shape at meetings and donated them to the agency Wayne County Children & Youth (WCC&Y) through our club’s project, Coats 4-Kids. 

As a club, we collected warm winter pajamas for our annual pajama drive. Those pajamas are given to the children who receive services through WCC&Y. 

WCC&Y director Roz Burke was on hand to receive the coats and pajamas at our December meeting. We also donated a raffle prize for the Esselman family house- fire benefit. 

We also spread holiday cheer by sending out hundreds of holiday cards and candy canes to Ellen Memorial Health Care Center in Honesdale, the Bethany Village retirement community in Bethany, the Gino Merli Veterans’ Center in Scranton, the St. Francis Commons in Scranton and the VA hospital in Wilkes-Barre. 

We also collected gift cards for the veterans at the VA Hospital to use. Hopefully our cards and gifts put a smile and feeling of joy within some of the recipients. 

To round out our month, our club “adopted” seven children through the Angel Family program at the Damascus Manor United Methodist Church. We gave them a hand making Christmas wishes come true. 

If you ever have the opportunity to volunteer in your community during the holiday season, we encourage you to spread the joy.

Are you interested in joining 4-H or becoming a screened volunteer? Call the Wayne County Extension Office at 570/253-5970 ext. 4110. 

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