Crazy Frog Hoppers Club Inspires Essential Workers
CRAZY FROG HOPPERS CLUB INSPIRES ESSENTIAL WORKERS
Written by Calvin Embleton (Marketing and Communications)
Summary:
With essential workers constantly putting their lives on the line for their community, the Somerset County Crazy Frog Hoppers Double Dutch 4-H Club focused on volunteering their time by donating Hero Bags containing water, a snack, and a motivational message from the members of the club. The Crazy Frog Hoppers were able to make 235 bags of snacks and deliver them to seven different locations including hospitals, police stations, and rescue squads.
teamwork • volunteering • emergency relief • community service • donating
The Challenge
Pledging one’s hands to larger service is a core tenet of all 4-H members across the country. When COVID-19 started pushing essential workers harder than ever before, the Crazy Frog Hoppers Double Dutch 4-H Club knew they had to find a way to not only help, but motivate and show appreciation for the vital work they were doing. Club member Veronica Dryl from Bridgewater stated, “I was happy to be able to give … to our First Responders. They have been working hard to keep us safe during this pandemic and deserved to be treated.”
Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital staff with Hero Bags.
The Solution
After collaborating virtually, the club decided to gather donations for Hero Bags that they would deliver to various essential workers in their community. Club members purchased items to contribute themselves and used social media to request additional donations. They practiced good social distancing by meeting in small numbers to pack 235 Hero Bags. The bags included a bottle of water as well as a snack that would provide the workers a moment of pause and motivation to save lives.
Crazy Frog Hoppers club member with Hero bags.
“Even though it seemed like a small gesture, the appreciation showed by our front-line workers and first responders was overwhelming. It gave me a real insight into all the work they are doing to keep us safe, and it was amazing to be able to do something positive for them,” said club member Eliza Rothenburger from Neshanic Station.
Club members with local police donating Hero Bags.
As a final touch, the club members included an inspiring message on every Hero Bag to help motivate essential workers and show them how much they are appreciated in these challenging times. After packing was completed, the Hero Bags were donated to seven different locations within the community including:
Robert Wood Johnson - Somerset (ER Night Shift)
Bradley Garden Rescue Squad
Somerville Rescue Squad
Flagtown Fire Station
Somerset County Communications Center (Dispatch Workers / 911)
Bridgewater Police
Robert Wood Johnson – New Brunswick
The club members were able find a new level of respect for our dedicated essential and emergency workers, as well as the value that community service and volunteering can provide. The essential workers were extremely proud of the youth effort and thankful for the Hero Bags they received with Robert Wood Johnson of Somerset staff stating, “Huge thank you to Crazy Frog Hoppers Double Dutch 4-H Club for helping fuel the ER staff! What a great group of young ladies.”
