4-H launches Paper Clover Campaign

Van Wert independent/4-H info

The National 4-H Council has announced the launch of the fall 2013 4-H Paper Clover Campaign, in partnership with Tractor Supply Company (TSC). This event marks the fourth year of collaboration between the organizations on the national in-store fundraiser, benefiting state and local 4‑H programming in each of the communities where a TSC or Del’s Farm and Feed Supply store is located.

Heather Gottke, 4-H program coordinator for Van Wert County 4-H, explains what the clover campaign does for Van Wert County.

“The donations support the training of teens to become 4-H camp counselors, and helps to alleviate costs to 4-H families by providing a cushion of money to support the many expenditures that are required to put on a residential camp every summer,” she said.

The fall 2013 4-H Paper Clover Campaign will take place October 9-20. Shoppers at the Van Wert TSC store will have the opportunity to support 4-H in Van Wert by purchasing paper clovers for a $1 or more at checkout. All funds raised will be donated to 4-H, and will support 4-H youth development program activities in Van Wert.

“Through this highly impactful community event, we have been able to raise funds nationally over the past few years for thousands of 4-H youth across the country,” said Donald T. Floyd Jr., president and CEO of the National 4-H Council. “We are more than pleased with the success of the 4-H Paper Clover Campaign, and we are even more honored to continue the tremendous partnership that drives support for 4-H clubs and programs in the communities of more than 1,200 Tractor Supply Company and Del’s Feed and Farm Supply stores.”

In just four years, across 48 states, the TSC 4-H Paper Clover Campaign has provided more than $2 million to 4-H across the country. All proceeds raised directly benefit 4-H, with 70 percent of funds being returned to state and local 4-H programs. The effort has provided direct support for local camps, after-school programs and other activities, and has granted scholarships to these events that youth can explore their interests in everything from animal science to robotics.

“Our paper clover efforts are one of the key ways our stores can give back to the community,” said John Wendler, senior vice president of marketing for Tractor Supply Company. “By providing essential funding for hundreds of thousands of 4-H young people, we are able to support local organizations that are important to both our customer and our Team Members.

“We’re proud to help improve the many communities in which we have stores through our partnership with 4-H,” Wendler added. “That is what Tractor Supply is all about.”

Once again, funds donated during the national campaign will be tracked online and recorded by state and by store. Visit www.tractorsupply.com/4-H, for more information on the spring 2013 4-H Paper Clover Campaign and to view the donation tracker.