Colette Brobst is recognized during National Volunteer Week

Each year, thousands of volunteers in Minnesota donate their time and energy to make their communities a better place to live. These volunteers were among the millions across the country who were spotlighted during National Volunteer Week, which was held April 23-29, 2017. 

One group that relies heavily on volunteers is the University of Minnesota Extension’s 4-H Youth Development Program. Minnesota 4-H supports nearly 11,000 adult volunteers annually who engage young people in a variety of hands-on learning experiences. Volunteers are critical to the success of 4-H programs and making differences in the lives of youth. In Roseau County, nearly 100 volunteers, both youth and adult, serve as club leaders, project leaders, committee members, and in advisory capacities for the 4-H Youth Development Program. Volunteers spend numerous hours working on tasks, such as mentoring a child with a 4-H project, leading a project with youth to serve the community, or helping organize an event at the county fair. 

The work of 4-H volunteers is continuous. Every day volunteers lend a helping hand to make 4-H programs more beneficial to the residents of Roseau County.

A few of these leaders were recognized recently and Colette Brobst, Grygla, was one of them.

Colette has been an adult 4-H volunteer for 19 years and a local leader for about the last 10! She helps lead the Grygla Go-Getters 4-H Club and was asked what she loves about it the most. She replied, “So many things! The kids, the opportunities available to youth to help them gather life skills they can use their whole lives, parents and families working together, life-long friendships! But probably the best feeling you can have as a volunteer is when a former or current 4Her tells you that you made a difference in their life and thanks you for it!”