Lancaster County 4-H Sews 1,729 Units for Hospitals Through Two Service Projects

Lancaster County 4-H (lancaster.unl.edu/4h) launched two back-to-back community service sewing projects which began on March 25 due to the need for protective gear for Bryan Health’s medical staff in Lincoln. The first was the “Hats for Hospitals” project where cotton surgeon hats were sewn. Volunteers picked up fabric kits from the Extension office. Initial funding of $211 for this project was sponsored by a 4-H memorial fund and was used to purchase fabric and supplies for the first kits. In just a few weeks, hundreds of yards of fabric and elastic were donated, over 543 sewing hours was spent and 756 surgeon hats were completed.

Once the need for hats was fulfilled, by April 13, the second project, “Sewing for Hospitals” was in full swing with volunteers sewing cotton face masks. In just a few days, 4-H face masks were already in use at the hospitals. The need was great as Bryan Health was using 100 face masks each day for patients, visitors, and non-medical staff. At the conclusion of this phase, volunteer sewers spent over 352 hours which produced 973 face masks. During both projects, one 13-year-old 4-H member sewed 330 hats and masks. Another dedicated volunteer sewed 350 units.

Open to all youth ages 5–18, the Nebraska Extension 4-H youth development program emphasizes: 4-H science, citizenship and leadership, agricultural literacy, career development, college readiness, and healthy lifestyles. Lancaster County 4-H is a partnership between the Lancaster County government and Nebraska Extension. To learn more, visit lancaster.unl.edu/4h or call (402) 441-7180.