Posted on August 21, 2023 at 1:06 PM by Emily Saveraid
As a 4-H leader, Carol engages youth in positive partnerships with local animal shelters and encourages community service to increase the quality of animal services in the county. Because of Carol, youth have a feeling of positive impact and change through their contributions of club made dog biscuits, bringing adoptable animals to showcase at fair, helping run bingo fundraisers, and giving donations of tie blankets, sewn pillows, and toys. Over the course of her 10+ years as a 4-H leader, Carol has demonstrated that the small, but purposeful donations of time or service contribute to a large impact, and a better community.
On top of work with animal shelters with the Spirit Lakers 4-H club, Carol provides great opportunities for youth to engage in photography learning. Carol works in the custom framing and matting industry (Carol’s Cottage) and has helped put on workshops in 4-H, oftentimes donating services to aid in their learning along the way.
Carol has been a weekly face in the office as she stops in to work on various volunteer projects. She is also an excellent spokesperson for our program, representing Dickinson County in the Iowa Farmer Today talking about how their club adapted during the pandemic to still make safety and learning a priority.
Outside of 4-H, Carol has also been involved in other program areas of extension. As a Master Gardener Carol has worked in the Donation Garden since its founding in 2019. This past year she took over the leadership of the Donation Garden and the Growing Together Grant. With Carol’s coordination and hours of hard work, 758 lbs. of produce were donated to Upper Des Moines Food Pantry. Carol also manages the Community Gardens and shares her Master Gardener knowledge with new gardeners participating. Through Master Gardener Carol got involved in the Healthy Hometowns initiative and the Dickinson County Hunger Coalition to help with food insecurity in our community.
