Oklahoma 4-H Teen Hosts Back To School Book Bag Giveaway

Saturday 18-year-old 4-H teen Reed Marcum hosted the 2024 Michael Book Bag Giveaway, a massive annual charity event timed to the back-to-school season.

The Book Bag Giveaway was supported by The Sergeant Miles Tarron and Hudson Strong Foundation, which is an extension of Marcum's work to address the needs of the McAlester community. In the nine years if the giveaway, more than 33,000 bookbags and more than $1.3 million in school supplies. This year's drive-through 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.

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.

For more information on the 4-H Book Bag Giveaway or to arrange interviews with Marcum, local 4-H leaders, or others involved in the event, please contact Elliot Levy at 4hcouncil@ssmandl.com. To contribute to the fund that supports the annual book bag giveaway and Marcum’s other service projects, click here.