National Volunteer Week and ISU Extension and Outreach Week are intertwined as Iowa’s 100 county extension offices are hosting activities this week to thank volunteers who contribute their time to extension education and 4-H efforts.

The numbers add up for how much volunteers impact Washington County Extension and 4-H, as they have 57 4-H and Clover Kid club leaders, 16 Youth Committee members, 26 Livestock Superintendents, nine elected Extension Council members, and 24 fair board members. Not to mention the hundreds of volunteers and donors who offer support for an event or two each year, and the youth volunteers who assist at day camps, workshops, events, and the county fair. 4-H/Youth Coordinator Amy Green says the county’s 4-H and Clover Kids programs which currently have 557 youth in kindergarten through 12th grade enrolled would not thrive without its volunteers, “We can’t do what we do without them. It’s absolutely impossible, so we really appreciate those volunteers who are caring adults to be committed and continue to show up and do what they say they’re going to do and really give to our program in generous ways with their time and talents and they really are making a difference. Kids need a lot of adults in their life and so we are thankful that people give.”

Work is never done for Washington County Extension’s volunteers, as they will be helping the 4-H’ers host their annual Pancakes & More Breakfast Fundraiser from 7-10:30 a.m. Saturday in the basement of Dallmeyer Hall on the Washington County Fairgrounds. Drive up and take out options are available, and a free will offering is accepted to support the 4-H program.