Property Appraiser’s Office Donates to Polk County 4-H
by REBEKAH PIERCE
In a move that speaks volumes about the power of giving back, the Polk County Property Appraiser’s Office has donated $5,452.20 to the Polk County 4-H. This substantial contribution marks the successful conclusion of the office’s 2025–2026 fundraising campaign. The funds will stay right here in the community, directly supporting local youth initiatives and hands-on learning projects.
The partnership began when Property Appraiser Neil Combee and Chief Deputy Carey Baker suggested adopting Polk County 4-H as the office’s fundraising partner for the year. Both men have a strong understanding of agricultural extension programs and the deep impact 4-H has on students. They wanted to invest heavily in the youth of Polk County, and 4-H stood out as the perfect organization to receive this support.
Noemi Barreiro, Support Services Specialist at the Polk County Property Appraiser’s Office, explains the selection process more in depth.
“The Polk County Property Appraiser’s office researched several local charities; we wanted to make sure that our contribution would stay local and have a meaningful impact on the youth in our own community,” she says. “We learned that 4-H does incredible work helping young people develop skills, confidence, and leadership. Partnering with 4-H was a natural choice because it allowed us to directly support programs that make a positive impact on our local community.”
Shreemoyee Ghosh, 4-H Youth Development Agent, appreciated that the Property Appraiser’s Office took time to learn about the 4-H mission and its programs. The team scheduled a meeting with the 4-H leadership to review past reports and newsletters, examine demographic reach and activities, and more. Ghosh was careful to underscore the role of the program’s civic engagement and leadership programs.
The fundraising campaign itself ran from October through February, culminating in more than $5,400 raised for the Polk County 4-H.
“They did multiple fundraisers throughout that period,” Ghosh says.
Barreiro recalls the hands-on nature of the events, adding by way of example, “Our very own Property Appraiser, Mr. Neil Combee, donated two handcrafted hiking sticks made from hickory. Owners of these unique hiking sticks belong to an elite group, including Sheriff Grady Judd, Governor DeSantis, and President Donald Trump. The hiking sticks were offered in a silent auction that quickly turned into a bidding war.”
Ghosh says the funds will bring new opportunities for Polk 4-H members. This year, Polk County 4-H is one of four Florida counties participating in Stories 4-History, a national program with the Smithsonian Institution. Youth will identify a local changemaker, research their story, conduct interviews, and create a documentary project.
“When young people understand their community, its history, its people, and its strengths, they are more likely to stay connected, contribute meaningfully, and step into leadership. Stories 4-History helps build that foundation by giving youth the space to find their voice and put it into action,” Ghosh explains. The program requires students to build soft skills as well as workforce-readiness skills, something that’s deeply aligned with the overarching mission of the National 4-H Council, which is to prepare students to be “beyond ready” (ready for high school and beyond).
There’s another exciting element of the program as well, something that’s made possible by the Property Appraiser’s Office generosity:
The $5,452 raised will directly support the Stories 4-History program. As part of this experience, Polk County 4-H will offer a culminating opportunity for participating youth, upon completion of their projects, in the form of a field trip to Washington, D.C., where they will visit Smithsonian Institution museums and extend their learning beyond the classroom. This will connect their local stories to a broader national context and deepen their understanding of history, democracy, and civic life.
Change starts locally, Ghosh emphasizes, and this donation is making it possible for kids to build skillsets they need for high school, college, and beyond.
“At the end of the day, this is how strong communities are built: by investing in youth and giving them the opportunity to learn, grow, and contribute in meaningful ways.”
Ghosh says that even though the fund infusion is a special, one-time event because the Property Appraiser’s Office selects a new nonprofit partner each year, she knows the funds will have a lasting impact.
“It’s rewarding to know you’re helping young people gain new skills and opportunities.” Barreiro says. “Supporting the next generation is an investment that benefits everyone, and we’re proud to have played a role.”