Sidney participates in Panhandle-wide 4-H fundraiser

Area 4-H members will be among those holding fund raisers across the Panhandle to give back to families affected by the wildfires near Ash Hollow.

Demonstrating citizenship through community action is one of the primary goals of the National 4-H Program.

Panhandle 4-H will recognize the 4-H National Day of Service by participating in a fundraiser to help restore part of the fencing lost in the March 16 fire near Ash Hollow.

According to a press release from the Panhandle Research and Extension Center, the wildfire started near Lewellen, burning approximately 4,600 acres or 7 square miles of grassland, as well as many miles of fencing. Although there were no livestock or structure losses, at least five families in the area lost a significant amount of pasture land.

Extension Educator Cynthia Gill said after hearing that 4-H families in the district were affected by the fires, the organization decided to organize a fundraiser to help.

“Along with wildfires in Colorado, there were also fires in Nebraska,” Gill said. “It could have very easily been our community affected.”

Gill said throughout the panhandle 4-H members and clubs will be holding the fundraiser at several Bomgaars and other local markets.

“I think participating in an event like this encourages empathy,” Gill said, “and what is means to be part of a larger community.”

On Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon, 4-H members will be at Bomgaars stores across the region to receive Donations for Donuts. Along with the location, Bomgaars has also donated the donuts as well as a matching fund up to $3,000. All of the donations go to the victims of the fire to help restore the lost fencing.

Bomgaars locations participating in western Nebraska include Alliance, Bridgeport, Chadron, Gordon, Ogallala, Scottsbluff, and Sidney and Valentine.

“In Kimball 4-H members will be at the Main Street Market,” Gill said.

In Sidney three 4-H clubs have already signed-up to donate their time, the Sidney Wranglers, Bunker Hillbillies and Cool Kids Club.

“Anyone who would like to donate to the cause can drop off donations at the Extension Office in Sidney,” Gill said.

Donations can also be sent to Nebraska 4-H Foundation, C/O Ash Hollow Fire Relief Fund, PO Box 830719, Lincoln, NE 68583-0719.