Annual Book Bag Giveaway, Organized by 4-H’er Reed Marcum, Ignites Back to School spirit Across Oklahoma, Texas, Arkansas
MCALESTER, OK (August 3, 2024) – Today, Reed Marcum, an 18-year-old 4-H teen from Pittsburg County, Oklahoma and a sophomore at Oklahoma State University, hosted the 2024 Michael Miller Book Bag Giveaway, a massive annual charity event timed to the back-to-school season.
The Book Bag Giveaway, supported by The Sergeant Miles Tarron and Hudson Strong Foundation, is an extension of Marcum’s work to address the needs of the McAlester community. The giveaway – now in its ninth year – has distributed more than 33,000 book bags in total with more than $1.3 million in school supplies to students and families from Reed’s hometown and beyond, including across Oklahoma and the surrounding states. This year’s drive-thru event distributed more than 6,000 book bags.
“With back-to-school season around the corner, I want to help kids get their school year started right,” said Reed Marcum. “We have been distributing book bags and school supplies for nine years now and each time it is so fulfilling to know we are playing a small part in getting kids excited about their education. I’m grateful to 4-H for the support and opportunity to make a difference in my community.”
The Book Bag Giveaway honored members of Reed's family and the McAlester community, including Hudson Campbell, Kennia Mattioda, Mrs. Donna Curry, Mrs. Leann Yandell, Ms. Becky Weeks, Danny Kelly MPD and SGT. Miles Tarron.
The giveaway is a part of Marcum's 4-H Youth in Action annual service project. Last year, Marcum was named a recipient of the 2024 4-H Youth in Action Awards for his community-centered projects in 4-H that have collectively raised more than $3.5 million in funds and donated items. Launched in 2010, the Youth in Action Awards recognizes 4-H’ers who have applied the knowledge gained in 4-H to create a lasting impact in their communities. As a national winner, Marcum received a $5,000 higher education scholarship and has had opportunities to showcase his story nationally, develop professional skills and network with prominent 4-H alumni.
“Reed’s commitment to his community is inspiring. He has had a huge impact here in McAlester,” said Greg Owen, Pittsburg County 4-H Educator and Marcum’s mentor. “I am so proud to support his service projects and watch him grow.”
Since 2016, Reed has also organized an annual 4-H Toy Giveaway. During last year’s toy drive, cars lined up for over three miles near the Southeast Expo Center in McAlester and Marcum distributed more than 10,000 toys to children and families in need across Oklahoma, Texas and Arkansas for the holidays.
To contribute to the fund that supports the annual book bag giveaway and Marcum’s other service projects, click here.
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4-H, the nation’s largest youth development organization, grows confident young people who are empowered for life today and prepared for careers tomorrow. 4-H programs empower nearly six million young people across the U.S. through experiences that develop critical life skills. 4-H is the youth development program of our nation’s Cooperative Extension System and USDA, and serves every county and parish in the U.S. through a network of 110 public universities and more than 3,000 local Extension offices. Globally, 4-H collaborates with independent programs to empower one million youth in 50 countries. The research-backed 4-H experience grows young people who are four times more likely to contribute to their communities; two times more likely to make healthier choices; two times more likely to be civically active; and two times more likely to participate in STEM programs.
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