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The monthly meeting of Bend-Chappel County Extension Education Clubs met Monday, Jan 9 at the Bend Methodist Church. Dean Brown, Secretary/Treasurer reported that funds collected over the past year went toward gifts in support of the Angel Tree Project in December and, in addition, a monetary gift was given to the San Saba Ministerial Alliance. Members were asked to bake items such as cookies, brownies or candy to be prepackaged in ZipLock bags, two to a package, to be sold for $.50 a bag in support of the Youth Fair and Stock Show. Mary Jane Dennis presented an interesting educational topic of how American jobs and the economy can be improved or saved by buying items made within the USA. She provided statistical data in support of how many jobs can be saved by purchasing 5% of USA made items with very little cost difference from items made outside the U.S. For example, the average American family spends $700 on Christmas gifts and if $64 of that amount is spent on USA made items, then 200,000 jobs would be created. Studies have shown that if builders use USA made materials, the total costs in the long run evens out and remains the same. Members were encouraged to read labels and to ask stores for USA made products when shopping and to bring information to the March meeting about what they find that is U.S. manufactured.Next month’s meeting will be held in San Saba in conjunction with the other EE clubs. Members will be treated to a special program about flowers and insects to be presented by Terry Fischer. The date, time and place to be determined.By being a member of an EE Club, one can gain the latest information on what’s new for home and family. Did you ever want to be an Aggie? An EE member is an off-campus student at Texas A&M University System, studying and sharing knowledge. Anyone interested in joining is always welcome. Information can be obtained through the County Extension Agent’s office at the courthouse.