Barn Raising scheduleld in Kansas

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Here's a fantastic opportunity for 4-H clubs, 4-H members and their families to be involved in a most unique community service project! Taking place September 4-7, 2008, will be a "Barn Raising" to rebuild the Kiowa County 4-H Livestock Pavilion at the county fair grounds in Greensburg, Kansas. Greensburg was struck by a catastrophic tornado May 4, 2007, which wiped out nearly 95 percent of the town, including the county fairgrounds.

What makes this project and event unique is that it has been selected by The New York Says Thank You Foundation as their annual re-building project to help others rebuild after a loss. Helping others' recovery efforts is a way of saying "thank you" for the many volunteers who extended a help hand to New Yorkers in the days following 9/11. Their projects are tackled by a volunteer corp that includes New York City firefighters and others who either survived the September 2001 attack or were affected by it in some way. The volunteer group also includes survivors from communities stricken by disasters and assisted by The New York Says Thank You Foundation on previous anniversaries of 9/11.

How can 4-H clubs, members and families get involved in this project? Funds, time and supplies will be needed by the 200+ volunteers to replace the 14,000 square-foot building in just 4 days. Tax-deductible contributions can be sent to the Kiowa County 4-H Show Barn, in care of the Kansas 4-H Foundation, 116 Umberger Hall, Manhattan, KS 66506. Contributions received prior to August 15th will be earmarked for building materials; contributions received after August 15 will be earmarked for the project at the discretion of the Kiowa County 4-H Council for internal amenities/needs, such as stalls, tables and chairs.

If interested in being involved in the hands-on aspect of the building of the structure, contact the Kiowa County K-State Research and Extension Office at (620) 723-2156 or Kendal Lothman (deputy director for emergency management and long-term recovery in Kiowa County) at (620) 723-4154. For more information pertaining to The New York Says Thank You Foundation and their 2008 project, please visit their website at http://www.NewYorkSaysThankYou.org.