COLUMBIA, Mo. – Celebrating National Volunteer Week, the Missouri 4-H Foundation presents The Closet in Edina with the 2025 Naomi Crouch 4-H Volunteer Leadership Award. The Closet is recognized for more than eight years of service and support to 4-H in Knox County.

“We are honored to recognize The Closet in Edina for their outstanding efforts on behalf of Knox County 4-H,” said Rachel Augustine, director of the Missouri 4-H Foundation.

Recipients of the Naomi Crouch 4-H Volunteer Leadership Award may select a 4-H club or county program to receive a $250 award in their honor. Knox County of Edina chose the Knox County 4-H Council.

Q: How did you first become involved with 4-H?

A: The Closet in Edina is a ministry of the Knox County United Methodist Parish. Our mission is to support youth and youth programs in Knox County. In previous years we sponsored awards and Clover Kids. Now we give our donation to the 4-H Council so it can be used for all yuth in 4-H.

Q: Why do you think 4-H is important for young people?

A: 4-H teaches skills, leadership and teamwork, which are necessary for success in life.

Q: What made you want to become a 4-H volunteer?

A: 4-H is an important youth program in Knox County, especially since this is a mostly rural farming community.

Q: What is the most rewarding part of being a 4-H volunteer?

A: Seeing our donation and work being used to help with annual 4-H project and seeing how it affects the youth in our community develop into leadership roles.

Q: What advice would you give to someone who wants to give back to 4-H?

A: Donate money and donate your time by being a project leader. Ask your local council how you can help!

The Naomi Crouch 4-H Volunteer Leadership Award is presented annually to volunteers and organizations for devoting their time and talents to MU Extension’s 4-H youth development program. The award is named in honor of Naomi Crouch, a native of Plattsburg, Mo., who was a 4-H volunteer and Missouri 4-H Foundation trustee for more than 20 years.

About Missouri 4-H

Missouri 4-H grows today’s youth and prepares tomorrow’s leaders. With a blend of time-tested traditions and innovative hands-on learning, Missouri youth explore and find their spark in programs ranging from agriculture and conservation to aerospace and career development. Through clubs, programs, camps, in-school and after-school experiences, University of Missouri Extension faculty, staff and thousands of volunteers guide youth in developing essential skills, building confidence and fostering connections. Together, they inspire young people to make a real difference in their communities, their country and the world. To learn more about Missouri 4-H, visit 4h.missouri.edu.

About the Missouri 4-H Foundation

The Missouri 4-H Foundation is the affiliated nonprofit partner of the University of Missouri Extension 4-H Center for Youth Development. For more than 75 years, the foundation has secured and managed funds for Missouri 4-H, providing higher education scholarships, recognizing 4-H volunteers, and supporting the work of MU Extension 4-H. Learn more at 4h.missouri.edu/foundation.