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More helping hands from 4H
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4Hers Cody Neidlinger, Emily Cope and Alexis Floyd prepare meals as part of the Effingham County 4Hs service projects.

One of the essential elements of 4H is generosity.


4H’ers pledge their hands to larger service by participating in community service projects and citizenship activities.


“Youth need to feel their lives have meaning and purpose,” Abby Smith, 4H agent, said.  “There is no better way to do that, than to give them a service venue.”


Each month local 4H’ers of Effingham are given an opportunity to practice serving others through adopting service projects such as: gathering personal hygiene supplies for the Treutlen Home For Boys, collecting baby items for the Pregnancy Care Center, serving food at the Salvation Army, saving pop tabs for The Ronald McDonald House and organizing various food pantries.  The fifth and sixth graders are great at collecting and donating goods, while seventh through 12th graders focus more on serving.


“Our goal at 4H is to teach, train and equip young people in ways they themselves can contribute. To serve, rather than to be served, and to realize every little bit counts!” says, Faith Jaudon, 4H program assistant.


“The results have been overwhelmingly successful,” said Connie Heidt Rahn, 4H program assistant, “as students from across Effingham have made a significant contribution.”  

Effingham School Board Approves $203M budget with Potential Property Tax Increase
2026 budget
This chart illustrates how the Effingham County School District’s $203 million general fund is allocated for fiscal year 2026, including spending on salaries, benefits, transportation, health services, and safety and security. (Courtesy of Effingham School District)
The Effingham County Board of Education approved a $203 million fiscal year 2026 budget Thursday night, reflecting an 11% increase over last year. The rise is largely due to an $8 million spike in health and retirement benefit costs for employees. To help cover the shortfall, the district may raise the property tax millage rate, potentially increasing homeowners’ taxes by up to 12 percent.
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