Mankato FFA Service Project helps fire victims
Rock Hills FFA members donated small square bales from their Supervised Agricultural Experiences FFA Service Projects to victims of the Four County Fire. Pictured are Eli Whelchel, Lauren Whelchel, Nelson Underwood, Whitley Frost, Caitlynn Scarrow, Paige Zadina, Troy Duskie, Seth Vacek, and Case Scarrow.
Monday, Dec. 20, several of the Rock Hills FFA students participated in a service project to deliver hay to those who lost theirs in the 4 County Fire. Organized by Lauren Whelchel, students loaded and unloaded two trailers of small square bales of straw, grass and alfalfa for Paradise, Kan. Students donated bales from their own SAE (Supervised Agricultural Experiences) and others donated their time to help load and unload.
The 4 County Fire affected Russell, Osborne, Rooks and Ellis counties. More than 100,000 acres were burned on Dec.15. Many producers and families lost homes, livestock, equipment and feed. These honorable Rock Hills students took this opportunity to help where they could and give back to the agricultural community.
Lauren Whelchel commented on the project that she organized: "Growing up I was taught to always lend a helping hand to those in need. Especially in a small community, when people join together to help others out, a small gesture can make a big impact. When I learned of the devastation the Paradise, Waldo and Natoma communities were facing, I wanted to take action to help out. I knew a couple students from that area through sports and such, so I contacted them to see if there was a way we could chip in.
"The Rock Hills FFA was ready to spring into action as well, so we decided to take small square bales of alfalfa, brome and straw to Paradise. The FFA gathered volunteers and helped organize this project in the span of just a couple days.
"I am thankful to all of those who volunteered on a short notice and donated squares. All in all, by helping out others in need, I feel like it makes a person feel good and want to pursue more kind acts. This to me is what brings a small community together. I would like to thank our FFA advisor, Jenna Langer for organizing and driving; Stede Underwood and Chris Whelchel for driving; the Ayers, Frost, Underwood and Whelchel families for donations; and a big thanks to those FFA members who volunteered."
Reader Comments(0)