Keeping with its motto, Covington County 4-H is “pledging their hands to larger service” by reaching out to victims of Monday’s tornado in Moore, Okla., by sending backpacks full of necessities to them.

Tanya Bales of the Covington County Extension Office said that the idea came from Brandon Jeter, a 4-H alumni, who works part time at the office.

“He looked up on the 4-H website and contacted the state office and they got us in contact with the county,” she said. “We have teamed up with Cleveland County to donate backpacks full of items to them.”

Bales said it was a good opportunity for parents to dispose of their children’s backpacks now that school is getting out for the summer.

“We are planning to send hygiene items, towels, toys, animal supplies, you name it,” she said. “Each bag will be geared toward different families.”

Bales said they are hoping to send off the backpacks Monday.

“The sooner, the better,” she said. “We’ve gotten the word out to the schools. All the kids that are willing to donate their backpacks are going to bring them. We already have a box of toys.”

Bales said they are exploring options for which to take the donations to Oklahoma.

“We are working on getting some donations for shipping, or we drive it there through different extension offices,” she said.

Bales said those who wish to donate may either donate cash to purchase items or they may make checks payable to the Oklahoma Relief Red Cross.