Blog Post Written by Payton W., Clay County 4-H Member

I know that one kid can make a difference in a community. I know this because I am a kid, and I have started to impact my community for the better. This year, I started a 4-H Pop Up Shop. This shop is an opportunity for 4-H youth to purchase show attire and 4-H shirts and accessories at little cost.

I got this idea for the 4-H Pop Up Shop because we have many large families in 4-H, and I feel it may be hard to purchase all the show attire for each youth. This Pop Up Shop is geared toward low income families or families that have many children in 4-H, but anyone is welcome. This shop runs by donation only. This means that the person getting the show attire gives me however much money they can give or would like to give. This Pop Up Shop is not for profit; it is just to help families in 4-H. With the money I do collect, I use it to buy more items like black jeans, white button down shirts and accessories. Also, to get these items I accept donations. I normally host a Pop Up Shop two times a year, September and March. However, I would like to host them more often. I host them at the UF/IFAS Clay County Extension Office but, I am looking to grow this opportunity by hosting the shop at other events held by 4-H.

I accept donations year-round. Anyone can drop off donations at the UF/IFAS Clay County Extension Office or you can drop them off when I am hosting a shop. The items that are needed are white button down shirts, black or blue jeans with no holes and gently used 4-H jackets or vests. I also accept any 4-H accessories. Mrs. Susan Welch said “It is such a wonderful thing you are doing and you are helping many families”. This is just one of the very many ways kids can make a difference in their communities.

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