I Pledge My Hands to Larger Service

With the holidays approaching, there’s no better time to serve your community. As the season shifts, so can our focus toward kindness, compassion, and ways to make a difference. While November is often about gathering with family and feeling grateful, it’s also the perfect time to look beyond ourselves and ask, “What can I do for someone else right now?”

Community service doesn’t have to be complicated or huge. Sometimes, it’s as simple as helping a neighbor with their yard work or leaving handmade cards for residents at a nursing home. Whether your 4-H club has a project planned or you’re ready to start something new on your own, there are countless ways to make a difference this season. Serving your community also means paying attention to everyday moments like noticing someone feeling left out, offering support to a friend having a rough day, or asking your local food pantry what they truly need before donating. A kind smile or a thoughtful gesture can brighten someone’s entire day. These actions might seem small, but they add up to big impacts.

Making a positive impact in your community starts with noticing the needs around you and stepping in. That’s the spirit behind the 4-H pledge when we say, “my hands to larger service.” We don’t just promise to help, we do it. This holiday season look around, ask questions, and offer your time. Be the reason someone feels supported, noticed, or encouraged. Even small efforts can make a huge difference and now is the perfect time to put your hands to larger service and make a difference.

by Cyla Gardner, 4-H Youth Developement Agent, 2025