PHOTOS BY JEANNE VOLLMER
by Cynthia Price
Youth involved with the legendary 4-H are not limited to getting blue ribbons for raising livestock and showing off horses; they also have craft, artistic, and photography competitions.
So it makes a lot of sense to partner with JOANN Fabrics on a promotional project to raise more money for the Muskegon County 4-H program, which is run through Michigan State University Extension.
Now through Feb. 28, people who shop at JOANN Stores in Michigan — or nationwide — can contribute to 4-H by purchasing a Paper Clover.
Kids who participate in 4-H learn by doing — it is one of the original experiential learning projects. The annual Muskegon County Youth Fair, held at the Fairgrounds, allows them to demonstrate what they have done and created (as shown in the accompanying photos), but the main point of 4-H is to raise good citizens.
The name comes from the pledge recited when 4-H-ers come together: “I pledge my head to clearer thinking, my heart to greater loyalty, my hands to larger service, and my health to better living, for my club, my community, my country, and my world.”
One of the purposes of 4-H, demonstrated to work in several studies, is to rekindle a love of learning in those who might not thrive in traditional academic settings. The 4-H projects are hands-on and students can develop what they want to do themselves.
JOANN Stores also offer 4-H Rewards. Not only do 4-H members, volunteers, and staff who register save 15% off their total purchases, whether in-store or online, they also reap the benefits of JOANN giving 2.5% of every eligible transaction to support 4-H.
According to Muskegon County 4-H Program Coordinator Tonya Pell, there may also be opportunities for kids in 4-H to take crafts and sewing courses at the JOANN Store. Pell is currently engaged in making arrangements with the store’s management, but they have not been finalized yet.
As Pell notes, the partnership takes the place of one with Tractor Supply, which has been discontinued. Tractor Supply has, for the last three years (including this year) given out Grants for Growing to FFA chapters. FFA, which used to be called Future Farmers of America, is a more agricultural-focused organization, though it is still intended to help students develop learning skills.
Applications are due Feb. 14. For more information, visit www.FFA.org/grantsforgrowing.
The Paper Clovers at JOANN will be available for $1 and $4. Each clover includes instructions for a special Valentine’s Day craft project. Those who purchase the $4 Paper Clover will get a coupon good for $4 off their next purchase.
The campaign’s proceeds go directly to support Michigan and Muskegon 4-H programs.
To find out more about the local 4-H, including how to join, visit http://msue.anr.msu.edu/county/muskegon/muskegon_county_4_h or call Pell at 231-724-4739.
To learn more about the national partnership, visit www.4-h.org/JOANN
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