Speak out and support 4-H clubs

I've been 4-H for four years now, and I need your help to save my club and many others through Illinois.

This wonderful group of young people who help the community and give to charity is part of the Lake County University of Illinois Extension. They have been notified that as of May 1, we will not receive the $12.8 million dollars in matching funds that were already approved of by the Illinois General Assembly for 2008. This match makes up about 50 percent of every extension budget.

In other words, my club and I, and everyone else through our state who values what 4-H has done for them, all because of the money matched for the Extension Office, will no longer exist. Through 4-H, my club and I have grown with our strength in the community. From recycling conventions to making baskets for Katrina victims, what would our state be without 4-H? Especially at the state and county fairs.

Our 4-H pledge states, "... we pledge our hands to larger service for our Club, our Community, our Country, and our World." We wish to live up to this, so as a representative for all who value what life lessons 4-H has taught them. Please give us a voice so we will receive the promised funds that we need to keep our youth alive in Illinois.

Jamie Di Tommaso

Busy Beaver 4-H Member

Mundelein