(Members of the Ellery Panthers 4-H Club display donated supplies collected during their October 21 meeting for the Red Bird Mission School project. The donations will help support families in southeastern Kentucky through the mission’s outreach and assistance programs.)
The Ellery Panthers 4-H Club is helping families in southeastern Kentucky through a community service project organized by club member Olivia Bunting.
The project benefits Red Bird Mission School and families throughout the Appalachian region, where access to employment opportunities and essential resources can be limited.
During the club’s October 21st meeting, members collected donated items to support the effort. The project has now expanded into a household goods and clothing drive that will continue through November 21st.
Bunting said she decided to organize the project after learning about Red Bird Mission and supporting the organization through donations in previous years.
“We are not without our struggles here in Southern Illinois, but we have access to resources others may not,” Bunting said. “Southeastern Kentucky is a very impoverished area and can be difficult to access, so families often have fewer opportunities for jobs and support.”
The current donation drive is collecting clothing, toys and household items. Once the drive concludes, volunteers will deliver the donated supplies to Red Bird Mission for distribution to families in need.
Founded in 1921, Red Bird Mission is a private, nonprofit Christian-based human services organization serving communities throughout Appalachia.
The organization provides a variety of assistance programs, including healthcare, emergency services, clothing, clean water, food and baby pantries, Meals on Wheels, holiday assistance and educational support.
Through the project, the Ellery Panthers 4-H Club hopes to make a difference for families facing financial hardships while encouraging community service among its members.
Anyone interested in learning more about the donation drive or supporting the project can contact Brenda Dickerson at (618) 263-2738.
Additional information about Red Bird Mission is available by contacting Leon Johnson at (618) 445-7104 or visiting www.redbirdky.org