FERNDALE — Even for a program symbolized by a four-leaf clover, “It takes more than luck to succeed,” says John Thomas, managing director of the Arkansas 4-H Foundation.
To give luck a bit of a boost, the Arkansas 4-H program uses March 17 — a day filled with green and clovers — as an invitation to support its youth development mission through donations.
“People see our youth wearing their green 4-H clovers, they know good things follow. Our 4-H’ers have a tremendous track record of community service,” Thomas said. “Each year, we see St. Patrick’s Day as a way to remind people to help Arkansas 4-H.”
Scene as Miller County 4H youth unload supplies for vicitms of the March 2023 tornado that hit Little Rock and parts of North Little Rock and Sherwood. (U of A System Division of Agriculture file photo)
This will be the fifth annual giving day. Thomas said this year’s goal is $45,000.
“Since we started this giving day in 2021, it has become the day that more and more people rally around to support the Arkansas youth we serve through the 4-H program. We've raised over $100,000 since we started and it all goes directly to the youth we serve.”
Each year, Arkansas 4-H distributes more than $150,000 in college and activity scholarships to its members.
“Your donation goes to a good cause,” he said, “We hope you will support us.”
Thomas said donations can be made online, or donors may text AR4H to 44321. He notes that when texting, donors will be asked to give a $44 default gift or donate a custom amount.
Arkansas 4-H members can attest to the personal growth opportunities the organization offers. There are more than 130,000 youth involved with 4-H in Arkansas.
