By Payton Tholstrup

Union State Bank is currently giving out vouchers to Washington and Clay County 4-H members for a free bale of straw or a bag of shavings from the Feed Shed in Clay Center.

According to Brandon Lee, President/CEO of Union State Bank, the idea came from a newly formed committee within the bank that was specifically designed to find ways to give back to the community.

“Union State Bank has always been a big supporter of 4-H and FFA, so we wanted to do something that directly impacted those families,” Lee said.

Ag loan officers, Ryan Hendricks and Jericho Hammond, came up with the idea. They worked with Mike Bulk, owner of the Feed Shed, to put the plan into action.

Lee said, “This is the first time we have tried something like this. We know how hard those kids and families work this week to bring their exhibits to the fair.”

Fair families simply come to Union State Bank to get their voucher and then take it to the Feed Shed. There, they can pick up their free bale of straw or bag of shavings. The offer ends once the fair is over.

“We are hoping for a successful week for those kids and their projects.”