4-H youth and adult volunteers in Waller County are thrilled about serving their community for the 2017-2018 program year. Consisting of older teens, the Waller Council 4-H Ambassadors presented a proposal to the 4-H Adult Leaders and Parents Association (A.L.P.A.) Committee indicating their desire to help Waller County children served by Texas Child Protective Services (CPS).
Nine-year old Fisher Gunderson (holding tote) was one of the first to complete his project.
Making backpacks for CPS youth was the top-suggested service project. Waller County 4-H adult volunteer Eunice Carroll suggested that the Council work with Cooperative Extension Program (CEP) staff in making simple bags that even young children could sew.
Joshua Williams, CEP extension agent for 4-H, hosted the tote bag sewing workshop on September 28, 2017 after school at the Waller County Extension Office. Dr. Joice A. Jeffries, extension program specialist, led the demonstration providing a simple pattern and printed lesson. More than 15 people attended including 4-H members, parents and adult volunteers.
Volunteer Eunice Carroll (left) trouble-shoots a sewing machine issue.
Volunteers assisted Williams and Jeffries by precutting the upholstery fabrics and webbing, threading the sewing machines (upper & bobbin), giving demonstrations, and assisting youth with any trouble-shooting sewing and pressing issues. A lot of “hands-on” guidance was provided. The lesson on sewing tote bags can be found here.
“The Ambassadors spread the word about 4-H clubs and community service projects in Waller County,” said volunteer Suzanne Anderson. Mrs. Anderson works side-by-side with her husband, Chuck Anderson, the adult project leader for the 4-H Ambassadors. All participants completed tote bags that evening.
The Waller County 4-H Adult Leader Parent Association conducted a second workshop on October 14, 2017, where 4-H members (including ambassadors and council members) completed 35 tote bags that were donated to Child Protection Services in Hempstead.
Teen Ambassadors display the tote bags they donated to youth served by Hempsteads’ Child Protection Services.
Joice A. Jeffries, Ph.D.
Program Specialist
(936) 261-5102
jojeffries@pvamu.edu