Jackson 4-H serves others while having fun

We never get enough of these stories of people reaching out to others during the holidays. Today, we highlight the Progressive Jackson 4-H Club. The organization assembled at Emanuel United Church of Christ and baked more than 100 pies for the Salvation Army's Thanksgiving dinner.

The group's members, starting as young as 5 years old, found that helping makes them feel good, which may explain why some return to help year after year. Riley Russell, for example, has been baking pies for this effort for eight years now -- and he's only 13. Eight years ago is when his mother, Erika Russell, took over the pie-making endeavor. She's the Jackson 4-H club leader and said, "I've been a part of baking more than 800 pies."

It's wonderful that boys like Riley are being raised to appreciate the value of serving others. "Every year it makes me feel good, because we're doing it so people who don't have a place to go on Thanksgiving can still have a good Thanksgiving," Riley told the Southeast Missourian.

Julia Todt, 18, also reflected on what it means to be a part of this tradition: "Me, personally, when things are going good, I don't necessarily think about people who are less fortunate than I am," she said. "But this gives you a chance, before Thanksgiving, to really remember that."

Don't think it's just hard work, though. It's important that they have fun as they do this valuable service. And a fun time, they have. Todt helps the younger ones balance the wonder of being covered in flour with the goal of filling those pie crusts.

Kudos to the Jackson 4-H for the skills and lessons it fosters in its members. They are learning to lead; serve the public; work with others and, last but certainly not least, make delicious pies. You can't go wrong there!