Crazy Frog Hoppers members delivering Hero Bags to Bridgewater Police. From left to right, excluding the police officer, are Veronica and Mellissa of Bridgewater, and Eliza from Neshanic Station.
Pledging one’s hands to larger service is a core tenet of all 4-H members across the county. When COVID-19 started pushing essential workers harder than ever before, the Somerset County 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 these ‘front-line’ workers were doing. The Club decided to focus their time by making and donating “Hero Bags.”
Club Member Veronica of Bridgewater ready to deliver Hero Bags to essential front line workers.
After collaborating virtually, the 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. 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
ER Night Shift Staff at Robert Wood Johnson of Somerset thankful for the Hero Bags they received.
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.”
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. The Robert Wood Johnson staff stated, “A 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!”
“Flagtown Fire Station posing with club members delivering Hero Bags. From left to right members include Eliza of Neshanic Station, and Mellissa and Annette of Bridgewater.
“Even though it seemed like a small gesture, the appreciation shown by our front-line workers and first responders was overwhelming,” said club member Eliza Rothenburger of Neshanic Station. “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.”
