Benton Elementary 4-H Club Donates Gifts to First Responders

Benton Elementary 4th- and 5th-grade 4-H Club members have been busy over the past few weeks.

They've been collecting gifts from all the students at the school to give to area first responders.

The 80 club members, along with Benton Middle School 8th-grader Makenzie Chaffin, have gathered snacks, water, candy, treats and other gifts, packed them in more than 120 bags, and donated them to Bossier sheriff's deputies, the 911 staff, Benton Fire and Police Departments and the Louisiana State Fire Marshal's Office.

"The 4-H Club is a wonderful program that teaches children the spirit of good citizenship," said Bossier Sheriff Julian Whittington. "We really appreciate the thoughtfulness of these children and their kindness shown to the Bossier Sheriff's Office through giving these gift bags."

"Our kids learned community service and that is a big part of 4-H," said Benton Elementary 4-H Club leader Londa Croall. "We wanted to thank the first responders by giving them these bags."