Tractor Supply Co. has done it again!
It’s their ninth year in partnership with 4-H to raise money for America’s youth in agriculture education, STEM, and outdoor recreation.
In this announcement, Tractor Supply shows it is continuing its mission to support youth in their local communities by launching its Fall Paper Clover campaign, a biannual fundraiser in partnership with National 4-H Council to provide scholarships for 4-H members.
The Paper Clover fundraiser provides thousands of dollars each year to offer opportunities for youth to attend conferences, 4-H camps and other developmental programs across the nation, where the students may not otherwise get these opportunities. Fundraising efforts are also sourced for programs and events such as visits to the state capitol to meet with the agricultural department, leadership conferences, and camps where attendees can study a range of topics from beekeeping to raising and training animals to forestry.
Today’s 4-H touches more than 6 million youth across the country, and the 1,700+ Tractor Supply stores continue to proudly sponsor programs like this, with 100 percent of the funds going straight the students and 90 percent of the money remaining in the state where it was collected. Last year, the Paper Clover events alone raised nearly $2 million. This is in addition to thousands of community and partner programs they sponsor locally.
The campaign began Oct. 9 and runs through Oct. 20, and Tractor Supply customers can participate by purchasing a paper clover for a donation of $1 or more during checkout at stores nationwide — or with an online purchase. This fall, Tractor Supply is aiming to reach a $1 million goal by raising awareness of the campaign via social media shares of their paper clover donations with #DonateAMillion.
Please use this hashtag to raise awareness! This could be when posting photos of making a donation, sharing a 4-H memory, or donating in honor of a 4-H member. They would also encourage all posts to have #TractorSupply and #4H. Here’s mine!
I was in 4-H as a student growing up, and wouldn’t trade it for the world! 4-H gave me leadership, competition and agriculture skills, and I owe part of my passion for agriculture to my 4-H upbringing. I still remember the pledge:
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.
“Community” is one of the key words here. My favorite part of being a 4-h kid growing up was the county fair! Every day after school my friends, and I would ride horses on their farms and showing horses was a huge part of our childhood.
Although I never owned horses myself, I never felt left out as 4-H has something for everyone. I was able to show my pets, (birds) artwork, and showcase my music and photography. Gearing up for the big show required good people and show skills, leadership development, and hoping to go home with awards and ribbons. You can’t win everything, but judges were always there with constructive critiques … skills that last a lifetime.
Here are some more photos that helped students and their communities across the country!
How about you, were you in 4-H? How about your child or someone you know? Please share your experience in the comment section, on social media, and remember to use these hashtags: #donateamillion #tractorsupply #4h
Michelle Miller, the Farm Babe, is an Iowa-based farmer, public speaker, and writer, who lives and works with her boyfriend on their farm, which consists of row crops, beef cattle, and sheep. She believes education is key in bridging the gap between farmers and consumers.
