CHIPPING IN: The Arkansas 4-H Giving Day, set for March 17, is an opportunity to help fund youth development programs throughout the state. | Division of Agriculture image
By RYAN McGEENEY | University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture
This St. Patrick’s Day, the Arkansas 4-H Foundation is encouraging Arkansans to set a bit of gold aside to support youth development in the Natural State.
The foundation, established in 1951, will hold its annual Arkansas 4-H Giving Day on March 17. The mostly online event serves as the Arkansas 4-H Foundation’s most important annual fundraising event, supporting more than 8,000 members and helping Arkansas 4-H make more than 700,000 contacts with youth throughout the year.
John Thomas, managing director of the Arkansas 4-H Foundation for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, said the annual effort typically raises about $60,000, which supports camp scholarships, program fees, learning trips, vocational training and college scholarships.
“Arkansas 4-H Giving Day brings all 75 counties together for one purpose — ensuring that no young person is prevented from participating because of cost,” Thomas said. “Whether a gift supports a local county program or a statewide initiative, every dollar stays focused on opening doors for Arkansas youth.”
Individuals can make a gift of any size to Arkansas 4-H using the online donation form. Donors can choose to direct their donation to a specific county or a specific program area.
Arkansas 4-H is a youth development effort of the Cooperative Extension Service, the outreach and education arm of the Division of Agriculture. Established more than 120 years ago, it operates in all 75 Arkansas counties, led by youth development professionals and supported by trained adult volunteers and mentors.
“The Foundation’s role is to remove financial barriers so those opportunities remain accessible to every child, regardless of circumstance,” Thomas said. “Investing in 4-H today means investing in the character, leadership and future of Arkansas tomorrow.”
Learn more about Arkansas 4-H at 4H.uada.edu.
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