"All Ticket Sales Go To Our Charitable Event Project Gift."

 

The Middlesex County 4-H Project GIFT program is a service learning activity planned and implemented by the County 4-H Teen Council. This event provides a free day of holiday shopping for limited resource families, and reaches over 300 youth from 130 families, representing 12 county agencies annually. This project provides parents with a sense of empowerment by providing for them the opportunity to choose and buy gifts for their children, rather than receiving anonymous donations. 4-H teens raise money through fund raisers and receive yearly donations from local and regional service organizations, businesses and individuals. 4-H members work in partnership with adults to plan, deliver and evaluate this program and work cooperatively in committees led by older 4-H teens. Teens report that involvement in this program helps them develop and practice valuable life skills such as team building, cooperation and leadership. Agency staff and clients attending the event indicate that this project provides a valuable service to them and the community, and helps them meet their emotional and psychological needs.