By Matthew McClellan

Rowan 4-H agent

I write a lot about what is going on in the world of 4-H and how you can get involved in the program. I write a lot about all the amazing things that our youth in Rowan County are accomplishing in their projects and in their lives.

I write a lot about volunteer opportunities and how adults can enhance the 4-H program, but I rarely write about how all of these amazing things are funded and how much work it is to ensure that these opportunities can be made affordable to all of our members. Well, that is going to change with this installment.

As with anything in life, things cost money. This is no different in the world of 4-H, whether it be buying a bag of feed for a livestock project or a box of ammunition for a shooting sports practice or registration fees for residential camp — 4-H has costs associated with it.

To ensure that as many youth as possible can participate in the program, we have to raise money through various fundraisers. Our two annual plant sales and our Christmas wreath sale are our main sources of revenue for helping youth out with the costs of 4-H opportunities. While our plant sales are over for the year, check back in the spring. Our wreath sale is ongoing.

The Rowan County Extension office is selling fresh North Carolina wreaths and garland this holiday season. The wreaths are made from either boxwood or Fraser fir and come in various sizes. The garland is made from white pine and comes in lengths from 25-75 feet.

The greenery for these wreaths is grown and produced in North Carolina on a family farm and the quality and smell are amazing. The sale of these wreaths and garland help youth here in Rowan County attend state 4-H events, go to residential camp, compete at regional and state levels, and ensure that as many youth as possible benefit from the amazing opportunities in 4-H.

You can help by ordering a wreath or garland from the Extension Office by calling 704-216-8970. Wreath orders are due by Nov. 15 and wreaths can be picked up at the Extension Office on Nov. 30. If you have any questions, please call me at the Rowan County Extension Office.