Jamie Harris, Extension Specialist
Counties in West Tennessee were devastated by the recent floods that ravaged the area. Communities were destroyed and families were misplaced. Homes, vehicles, personal belongings, and lives were lost. Tennessee 4-H recognized the need and immediately took action.
Check out the amazing service provided by individuals and counties:
Western Region Extension Office: Collected and filled a 14 foot enclosed trailer with diapers, wipes, personal care items, cleaning supplies, school supplies, and non-perishable food items. Items were delivered to Humphreys County and distributed to individuals in need
Dyer County: Donated diaper, wipes, mops, and cleaning supplies
Hardeman County: Served as a collection point for supplies and monetary donations after the flood. Two schools collected items for flood victims.
Crockett County: The 4-H Honor Club collected school supply items for the students of Humphreys County. With the assistance of community members, more than 1200 items (pencils, glue, markers, pens, backpacks, notebooks, etc.) * Several donated money to purchase gift cards for the teachers. The Honor Club collected $200 and sent a $200 Amazon Gift Card to McEwen Elementary School. Crockett County Agent, Tonya Bain applied for a $500 Community Cares Grant through 4Imprint. Even though they did not receive the grant, 4Imprint felt compelled to donate to the relief efforts. They are sending a donation of school supplies to the Crockett County Extension Office!
Perry County: Agent, Hope Simmons, took a small group of volunteers with a skid steer and a dump trailer to go help clean debris. They cleared wreckage from homes and tore down and removed and 2 storage sheds that needed to be torn down and removed.
Union County: A group of Union County 4-H members along with 4-H Adult Volunteer Leaders collected flood relief donations, money, and supplies (all within one week) and worked in Humphreys County Flood Relief clean up for 3 days during Labor Day weekend.
Video: https://youtu.be/NdlMAxhWAeE
Bradley County: Donated $250 to purchase water and food.
Cheatham County: Master Gardners, 4-H members, and Extension Staff donated water, Gatorade, cleaning supplies, non-perishable food, personal care item, and dog food.
A total of 127 4-H members and adults volunteered 124 hours to assist flood victims. These groups of amazing volunteers contributed $3624.58 to Tennessee communities.
