As the holidays draw near, many are caught up in the hustle and bustle of shopping and wrapping gifts, cooking and baking, and decorating our homes. There is a need to remember those in the community who need help to ensure they, too, have a Merry Christmas.

The Shenandoah Shamrocks 4-H Club did just that by adopting three families through the Jefferson County Community Ministries’ Adopt-a-Family program. Club members shopped together and enjoyed picking out just the right gifts for each member of the three families. Members wrapped the gifts during the Club’s Christmas potluck dinner at the Ranson Senior Center. Club members also collected donations of needed items for the Hospitality Center in Charles Town, a daytime center for the homeless in Jefferson County. Donations included thermal underwear, socks, coats, and gloves.

Club members also celebrated the holidays by participating in the Charles Town Christmas Parade. The theme of the 2012 Parade was “Christmas Dreams,” and the Club’s float featured a large bed with the Club members dressed in pajamas and robes holding signs describing their Christmas dreams. The Club’s float won second prize in the 4-H category. HOW HOW!

In other club news, several members of the Shenandoah Shamrocks were recognized during 4-H Achievement Night on November 5 for their dedication and hard work on their Jefferson County Fair projects. Emily Hott proudly represented the Shenandoah Shamrocks 4-H Club as she presented a flag during the evening’s opening ceremony. And finally, Club member Shelby Kowalski received a second place award for her project at the Wildwood Middle School Science Fair and will go on to participate in the Jefferson County Science Fair.

The Shenandoah Shamrocks 4-H Club thanks everyone who has supported the Club’s activities during the past year and wishes everyone a Merry Christmas and good health and much happiness in the New Year! The Shenandoah Shamrocks 4-H Club meets the second Monday of every month at the Ranson Senior Center. Club Leader Barbara Dodson can be contacted via e-mail at bdodson1013@frontiernet.net.