The Citrus County Committee meeting will be holding its first meeting of the new year on January 6, 2015 at 10:30 a.m. at The Salvation Army, 712 S School Avenue, Lecanto, Florida.

Nathan Meeks, a senior at Citrus High School and the 4-H County Council President, has had his fair share of community projects and volunteering for a great cause but November holds a special place in his community project agenda because it is something he feels strongly about supporting.

November 15th through the 23rd is National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week and Nathan knows in Citrus County we have homeless and hungry children, youth and adults. Nathan said “I wanted to do something to help bring awareness to youth; that we can make a difference and to help youth take action in our community to help others in need. I know through my work with several nonprofits such as the Mid Florida Homeless Coalition and the Anti-Drug Coalition that we have homeless and hungry people right here in Citrus County. I brought the idea of making “Blessing Bags” to the 4-H County Council group and asked if they would like to make the bags to help support our local shelters and food pantries and the group unanimously voted yes.”

The 4-H Clubs throughout the county collected basic needs items in October and then sent a representative from their club to help pack the bags. The gallon zip lock bags are full of items like a toothbrush, toothpaste, Chap Stick, lotion, gum, granola bar, wet wipes, razor, soap, tissues, comb, band aids, and a warm pair of socks along with a note of blessings and hope.

Nathan said “This was just what I was hoping for, the 4-H youth and their clubs learned about Homelessness and Hunger Awareness and then took action to make a difference right here in our county. I have personally never been one to see a problem or need and sit back and wait for someone else to do something about it. I try to see the problem or need and do something to start helping making a difference and that is what we did as a group of youth wanting to make a difference.” The 4-H Clubs made 40 bags that were given to local shelters through Barbara Wheeler and the Mid Florida Homeless Coalition.

The National Homeless Memorial day, which is held on the Winter Solstice every year, will be on December 21st. Please take time to remember those who died while living on the streets and in the woods of our communities.