4-H offers easy ways to contribute to its 4-H offers easy ways to contribute to its programs

</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[During April, Illinois residents can support their local 4-H programs through three 4-H fundraising campaigns. All funds raised through these efforts will be donated to 4-H to support local camps, 4-H clubs, and other 4-H youth development program activities.

The National 4-H Council is currently running its Give2Vote Challenge. Through this initiative, participants use their mobile phone to text CLOVER to 50555 to give $10 in support of 4-H in their state. They can also contribute by making a secure online donation at the National 4-H website at www.4-H.org. Each mobile gift or online donation counts as one "vote" towards their state. At the end of the challenge, the state receiving the most "votes" will receive an additional $5,000 from the program sponsor, JCPenney. Voting ends April 30th.

"The Give2Vote Challenge is an innovative and fun way for people to contribute to their state's 4-H programs, and could result in an additional $5,000 for youth programming," said Denise Legvold, assistant dean and director of Illinois 4-H. "We hope everyone in Illinois sends a text or goes online to vote!"

Also this month, the Tractor Supply Company has joined 4-H in support of local youth with the TSC Paper Clover Campaign. The campaign is a national in-store fundraising effort to benefit state and local 4-H programming in each of the communities where a Tractor Supply Company store is located. Until Sunday, April 18, shoppers at Tractor Supply Company stores will have the opportunity to support their local 4-H by purchasing paper clovers for $1 at the register. Funds raised will be donated to 4-H and will support local 4-H youth development activities.

"Many of our stores have been involved with 4-H clubs for years. Now Tractor Supply Company is proud to have an official chain-wide relationship with 4-H," said Tractor Supply Company Chairman and CEO Jim Wright. "For us, this is an outstanding way to support our current and future customers and future team members, and it's a way to give back to the 900-plus unique communities we serve."

Paper clovers can also be purchased at VF Outlet stores in Gurnee, Tuscola, and West Frankfort. Until April 30, shoppers at participating VF Outlet stores can purchase paper clovers for $1 at the register. Each clover comes with a 10 percent VF Outlet store coupon, which is good for use on a single item. Funds raised through the campaign will be donated to 4-H and will support local 4-H youth programs.

In addition to the April fundraising campaigns, Illinois residents can make gift donations to support 4-H programs and local counties on the Illinois 4-H Foundation website at http://4hfoundation.illinois.edu/gift. Or, they can contact their local U of I Extension Office to learn additional ways to support 4-H with their time and other resources.

"Right now there are several easy ways for Illinoisans to support their state and local 4-H youth development programs," Legvold said. "These donations are greatly appreciated and help provide for a wide range of fun, educational learning activities for Illinois' youth."

More than 260,000 Illinois youth participate annually in 4-H-guided community clubs, school-based or after-school programs, camps, and special interest clubs and events. For more information about Randolph County 4-H, contact the University of Illinois Extension Office in Sparta at 443-4364.