For the fourth year in a row, the club sent three groups of 4-H members to stand outside three Forestville businesses, Cave’s, Evans Bank and Tavern on the Mall and asked the patrons to help by donating cash for the Forestville Food Pantry.

The kids were not disappointed! The generosity of the patrons and their joy in giving helps to make this the most anticipated community event for the club members. When asking a club member if he enjoyed this community project, Aiden Kilburn said, “I was so excited when my mom reminded us that today was the bell ringing!” Through the effort, he community helped the club raise $213.22.

The club leader, Aimee Rogers said, “The club is blessed to have a larger group this year and so the other half of the club will be doing their community service at another date!”

Another fund-raising event was held on Friday.

Clockwise, from top left, Alena Thomas and Maddie Oakes stand at Cave’s; Owen and Aiden Kilburn at the Evans Bank; and Chase, Dawson and father Shaun Dowd at Tavern on the Mall.

Rogers went on to say that the club has very committed parents. “Just about each family had something unexpected happen that day! One mom woke up very ill in the morning, so wasn’t able to bring her two sons herself, but the dad brought the kids.

“Another family, the grandfather died very early that day, and the mom had to fly to California, so the dad first dropped her off at the Buffalo Airport and then the dad brought his two young sons to this event to be sure they were there! Another had a sick younger daughter but managed to get her 4-H daughter to come help! I am so overwhelmed by their commitment to the club and of course their children, I can’t thank them enough for all they do!”

The club is also working with the Forestville Elementary School as a collection location for food, clothing and gift donations for the food pantry from the students and faculty. The club wants to thank Superintendent Renee Garrett for her support in this effort! The last day to donate at the school is Tuesday.

The donations from the school and the cash collected at the local Forestville businesses will be personally delivered by the club to the Forestville Food Pantry on Wednesday, so those in need can have it in time for Christmas.

The club would like to thank the owners of Cave’s and Tavern on the Mall and the manager at Evans Bank in Forestville for allowing them to stand outside their business to collect for this event. Without their permission none of this would have been possible. “We are so grateful for their presence in the community!” Rogers said.

Clockwise, from top left, Alena Thomas and Maddie Oakes stand at Cave’s; Owen and Aiden Kilburn at the Evans Bank; and Chase, Dawson and father Shaun Dowd at Tavern on the Mall.

The club would like to thank the community for their help and also wanted to wish everyone a very Merry, Happy and Blessed Christmas and New Year!

For more information on this event, or to make a donation to the Forestville Food Pantry, please contact Aimee Rogers at 965-4321.

For More information about the Forestville Food Pantry please call 965-2655.

For more information on 4H please contact the 4-H office at 716-664-9502 ext. 214.