Members of the Hopkins chapter of the FFA have gotten involved to help with the wildfire relief efforts from the devastating wildfires that have occurred in the Western United States.
FFA Advisor Jessica Couch said students were challenged with raising enough money to be able to sponsor a minimum of 50 bags of feed at $8 a bag after seeing a Facebook post from a feed store in Southern Michigan that was providing an opportunity to help.
“It was never imagined that between the members, our alumni, community and local farmers in the area we were able to raise $4,800 in a week’s time,” Couch said. “This was amazing! We were not only able to send feed for the cattle, but also mineral blocks, and lots of fencing supplies as well. These kids have learned the value of helping others in need and not just in our back yard but people thousands of miles away.
“We are continuing to take donations for anyone that still wants to get involved,” she continued. “There is a 20-truck convoy leaving Wayland on Thursday, April 6, that will be hauling a majority of our supplies out. Two of our members are getting the opportunity to go as their dads are driving… Katrina Tucker and Gavin Gouker.”
Couch reported that leader of the convoy wants to promote not only what the Hopkins FFA chapter did to help but the local 4-H clubs as well.
“It is good for people to hear about the positive things our youth are doing to help,” the local FFA advisor said… He (the manager) was very impressed with the students’ efforts and wanted them to be recognized.”
The wildfires have occurred in the panhandle of Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas and Colorado.
“While we were at State (FFA) Convention, wildfires took off across those states burning over a million acres of land which took the lives of seven people and tens of thousands of head of livestock,” Couch added. “The fires moved so fast they couldn’t get the livestock out of the way. Even livestock that have survived the fires have been put down due to injuries. This is cattle country and it is calving season. Calves that have survived without their mothers have been taken in by local 4-H clubs and FFA chapters.
“These farmers and ranchers have lost everything and farmers across the country are stepping up to help by sending feed, fencing and other supplies.”
PHOTO: Hopkins FFA members sign well wishes to farmers in the Western states who have suffered from adverse weather conditions. They were accompanied by supplies the FFA members gathered to send to them. (Hopkins FFA photo)
