Extension Homemakers raise money for 4H

“Annually, we do a ‘Game Day,’ ” said Gillihan. “What we do is, we have all kinds of games, especially bingo, and we serve them a nice hot lunch, soup and sandwiches and certain drinks. We have, this year, a bake sale and a craft sale at the same time. We ask for a $10 donation when they come in, that includes a lunch, and bingo prizes, and everything. Each year we choose somewhere different to give our donation to. So, last year, we gave a $1,000 donation to the local VA, and this year we chose to do it- to give it to 4H for camp-ships or whatever they needed it for.”

The Homemakers operate four clubs in Marshall County with a total of 75 members, though Gillihan said the club has begun to see many from other counties attend their meetings as well.

“Right now, we’re all meeting here in our new building, different days, but we’re using this facility for our meetings,” said Gillihan. “We have the Busy Bees, who meet here, and it’s a large group. We have several members from Paducah, we have members from Graves County, we have quite a few from Calloway County.”

In addition to various crafts and sometimes holding lessons, the clubs largely focus on doing community service, like donating to blessing boxes, donating to the school district’s weekend meal program, and last year the group donated 250 scarves, as well as hats and gloves, to various community organizations.

The event saw a considerable turnout, and while an exact total was not given, the group did meet their goal of raising $1,000 to donate to the 4H program. Like the Homemakers, the 4H club operates through the Marshall County branch of the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension office.

More details about both programs can be found on the Marshall County Extension Office website.