The Dallas County 4-H and Clover Kids clubs hosted a county-wide service learning project Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon and filled the Community Room at the Dallas County Fairgrounds.
The well-attended event addressed the barriers faced by older Dallas County residents and the resources available to help them.
The 4-H and Clover Kids members gave presentations and led hands-on activities, such as making greeting cards and sewing.
Numerous booths sponsored by service organizations were on hand with information about activities and learning opportunities for older adults. Among the groups were the Dallas County Public Health Department, the Grimes Go Getters, Aging Resources of Central Iowa, the Alzheimer’s Association, Caregiver Connection LLC, the Perry Lutheran Home, Home Instead, Senior Life Solutions and HomeCare Services Inc. of Dallas County.
Lorna Grow of Dallas Center, a 4-H leader in Dallas County for 52 years, was joined by staff of Iowa State University Extension and Outreach in welcoming visitors. Also on hand were Dallas County Extension Council Chairperson Nicki Strajcar, Dallas County Supervisor Mark Hanson and Ella Moss of Adel, Dallas County Princess since May 2017, who said her reign is nearing an end after Saturday’s event.
Dallas County Extension Educator Lisa Mickelson said the goal of the county-wide service project was “to make connections between youth and older adults to discover the richness this can bring to everyone.”
She said the event aimed to “provide mutual help and support” and to “educate youth on some of the barriers faced by older adults — like transportation, food insecurity, health and safety, legal, financial and others — and see what can be done to assist in some of these areas.”
Persona-care packets, containing items such as shampoo, deodorant and toothpaste, were used as BINGO prizes, and refreshments were served.
