Ogle County youths make a difference through annual Illinois 4-H food drive

Illinois 4-H youths across the state worked together to make a difference in their communities through the annual Illinois 4-H Can Make a Difference Food Drive held Aug. 14-16 in conjunction with the Illinois State Fair. This year, 30 counties participated and collected more than 1,700 non-perishable food and personal care items for communities across Illinois.“This is a great way for youth to get involved on the local level and make a statewide change,” said Katie Duitsman, University of Illinois 4-H youth development specialist. “Great things happen when we put youth at the lead of any project, so we know great things are ahead for this initiative.” The statewide food drive began more than 25 years ago and highlights the impact that can be created when Illinois 4-H counties work together toward a common goal. Counties collect donations in their local communities, transport the items to the Illinois State Fair and participate in a friendly competition to see which counties can collect