HORTONVILLE, NY — A highlight of this year’s United States Track And Field (USTAF) 5K run/walk, held on Sunday, October 20, was “Fill the Truck.”

Not just one tractor-trailer, but two were ultimately filled.

It was one of the club’s largest community service projects, and according to club leader Jenny Phelps, it was set up to assist people in North Carolina suffering in the wake of a deadly hurricane.

“We connected with 4-H kids from North Carolina who need our help,” she said, and added that all the donated supplies will be delivered to the Wikes County Cooperative Extension. Then the supplies will be disbursed to “the mountain areas of western North Carolina hard hit by the hurricane.”

A week before the run/walk kicked off, one of the trucks was already filled, and during the run/walk, donations poured in, filling the second truck. 

A sampling of the donated goods included non-perishable food from Peck’s Markets, fencing supplies from the Future Farmers of America, hay, cleaning supplies, warm clothing and pet foods.

“A huge thanks to Adam Kays, owner of Kay’s Trucking, who donated the trailers and hauling,” said Phelps.

For information about the Small Town Country 4-H Club, contact SmallTownCountry4H@gmail.com, and for information about local 4-H programs, call Barbara Moran, 4-H youth development program manager at 845/292-6180 ext. 109 or email bjm292@cornell.edu