Lydia holding a blanket assembled by 4-H Youth
15 to 20 years ago a national fabric store used a promotion they named “Warm Up America”. It challenged the youth to make afghan blankets they would give to those in need of warmth. Jennifer Washman lead this program on a 4-H County level. This service project continued throughout the years with different groups. The women at the Senior Centers knitted and crocheted squares that were used to make the blankets. Then, 4-H'ers assembled the blankets. Over the years, hundreds of blankets have been distributed throughout California. Years ago, when Haiti was hit with a devastating earthquake, a shipment of 100+ blankets was sent to them. The blankets have touched lives and comforted people of all ages. The ladies at the senior centers continue to create beautiful squares that are ready to be made into blankets to this day. This year at the Bi-County Officer's training, one of the community service projects we had was putting these squares into blankets. Youth from both Placer and Nevada counties that showed up to Officers Training helped make over 19 blankets that will be given to the local homeless, women, and children shelters. All the parents and youth that participated in the service project greatly enjoyed their time making them. If you would like more information about how to get involved in this service project please call June Stewart at (530) 885-3926 or you can visit http://www.warmupamerica.org/.
-By: Lydia C., Ophir 4-H Club, Placer County All Star
Three 4-H youth work together to assemble a blanket
4-H girls work on putting together their blankets for Warm up America
Two 4-H girls work together to piece their chosen knitted squares together using a whip stitch.