FFA Donates to Four Counties Fire
Launch the media gallery 1 playerMonday December 20th, several of the Rock Hills FFA Students participated in a service project to deliver hay to those who lost theirs in the 4 Counties Fire. Organized by Lauren Whelchel, students loaded and unloaded 2 trailers of small square bales of straw, grass, and alfalfa to Paradise, Kansas. Students donated bales from their own SAE (Supervised Agricultural Experiences) and others donated their time to help load and unload. The 4 Counties Fire affected Russell, Osborne, Rooks, and Ellis Counties. Over 100,000 acres were burned on December 15th. Many producers and families lost homes, livestock, equipment, and feed. These honorable Rock Hills students took this opportunity to help where they could and give back to the agricultural community.
Lauren Whelchel commented on the project that she organized: “Growing up I was taught to always lend a helping hand to those in need. Especially in a small community, when people join together to help others out, a small gesture can make a big impact. When I learned of the devastation Paradise, Waldo, and Natoma communities were facing I wanted to take action to help out. I knew a couple kids from that area through sports and such, so I contacted them to see if there was a way we could chip in. The Rock Hills FFA was ready to spring into action as well, so we decided to take small square bales of alfalfa, brome, and straw down to Paradise. The FFA gathered volunteers and helped organize this project in the span of just a couple days. I am very thankful to all of those who volunteered on a short notice and donated squares. All in all, by helping out others in need, I feel like it makes a person feel good and want to pursue more kind acts. This to me is what brings a small community together. I would like to thank our FFA advisor, Jenna Langer for organizing and driving; Stede Underwood and Chris Whelchel for driving; the Ayers, Frost, Underwood, and Whelchel families for donations; and a big thanks to those FFA members who volunteered.”
Pictured: Eli Whelchel, Lauren Whelchel, Nelson Underwood, Whitley Frost, Caitlynn Scarrow, Paige Zadina, Troy Duskie, Seth Vacek, and Case Scarrow.