Clover Kids bring birthday joy to Poweshiek County Iowa families
Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Week is a time to celebrate the partnerships, people and programs that strengthen Iowa communities, and this year, Poweshiek County Clover Kids didn’t just join the celebration; they embodied it. With support from a Clover Kids Service Mini Grant through the Iowa 4-H Foundation, what began as a simple conversation about helping neighbors quickly grew into a countywide effort rooted in compassion. The kids set out to ensure that every child and every adult could celebrate their birthday with joy, launching a heartfelt project that exceeded expectations.
As part of the week’s focus on community service, Clover Kids leaders visited after-school clubs across Poweshiek County to talk about what it means to support neighbors who may be facing hard times in their communities. The kids listened closely until one fact made their eyes widen: if a family can’t afford groceries, they may not be able to afford a birthday cake.
The realization hit hard as the children reflected that not everyone could have a birthday celebration. And just like that, the Birthday Kit project was born.
From idea to impact
The kids got to work immediately, asking friends and family to sponsor a kit and proudly explaining their mission to anyone who would listen. Their efforts, combined with the Clover Kids mini grant, funded 100 Birthday Kits for local food pantries.
Each kit included a box of cake, a can of pop for the mixing agent, a jar of icing, a package of candles, sprinkles and a 4-H instructional sheet.
Then, in honor of ISU Extension and Outreach Week, the Poweshiek County Extension Council stepped in with a powerful gesture: They matched the kids’ 100 kits, doubling the total to 200.
Every food pantry in Poweshiek County will now receive 50 Birthday Kits, ensuring families across the county can celebrate with cake, candles and joy.
“I really loved doing the Birthday Kits, I loved it even more than making ice cream (at another Clover Kids meeting),” said Bishop Busch.
A young leader with a big heart
Among the many Clover Kids who embraced the project, one member went above and beyond. Jasper Krull raised $430, a remarkable contribution from a young person determined to make birthdays brighter.
“I knew it was important to raise money so everyone can have a happy birthday,” Jasper shared.
Because Clover Kids clubs meet primarily after school, finding an extra evening for a countywide assembly event wasn’t easy. Sports, homework and family schedules all competed for time. Even so, 15 Clover Kids showed up, representing every community in Poweshiek County, helping to lead the group as kids formed assembly lines, counted candles, and made sure each kit felt special.
The room was filled with laughter, teamwork and the unmistakable energy of kids who know they’re doing something meaningful. Parents knelt beside their children, helping pack boxes and sharing stories about why service matters.
Alathia Andera, Poweshiek County program coordinator with ISU Extension and Outreach, said, “Seeing parents and kids working side-by-side was my favorite part. It showed how every generation can come together to make a difference.”
A celebration of what ISU Extension and Outreach Is all about
The Birthday Kit project didn’t just provide 200 families with a reason to celebrate; it gave Clover Kids a hands-on lesson in empathy, leadership and community action. It demonstrated the heart of ISU Extension and Outreach Week: people coming together to strengthen their communities in ways big and small.
Thanks to the Iowa 4-H Foundation’s Clover Kids Service Mini Grants, the dedication of Poweshiek County families and the unstoppable enthusiasm of young people, birthdays across the county will be a little brighter this year.
“The kids absolutely loved taking on this service project, and we will absolutely be doing another one next year,” Andera said.
For more information on the Iowa 4-H Youth Development Clover Kids program, please contact your ISU Extension and Outreach county office or visit the Iowa 4-H website.
PHOTO: Clover Kids work alongside caring adult partners and parents in a Birthday Kit assembly line. They were completing the final step in packaging their Birthday Kits to be donated to food pantries across Poweshiek County. (Iowa State University Extension and Outreach)
