Oct. 7-13 is National 4-H Week and the University of Illinois Extension serving Bureau, LaSalle, Marshall and Putnam counties is celebrating the 4-H youth who have made an impact on the community and are stepping up to the challenges of a complex and changing world.

Recent findings from Tufts University’s 4-H Study of Positive Youth Development indicate that young people in 4-H are three times more likely to contribute to their communities than youth not participating in 4-H. Notably, the Tufts research discovered that the structured learning, encouragement and adult mentoring that 4-Hers receive play a vital role in helping them actively contribute to their communities.

Youth in Bureau County are making a difference in their community through a variety of service projects and activities. In the past year, under the guidance of caring adult volunteers local 4-H clubs have completed community beautification projects, collected food and nonperishable items for needy families, spent time with nursing home residents, delivered treats and crafts to senior citizens, provided service at community events, educated others about agriculture, planted trees and flowers and more. University of Illinois Extension is proud of the service completed by local young people and grateful for their contributions to their local communities.