GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Nothing says “I care” on Valentine’s Day more than a homemade card. With that in mind, during the month of February, kids in the Florida 4-H youth development program will partner with their local JOANN Fabrics stores to hand-make and deliver custom Valentine’s Day cards to local charities.
These crafty cards are part of a larger effort to help more Florida kids learn through creative service projects, said Michael Gutter, associate dean for the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Extension, which administers all 4-H programs in the state.
“4-H is all about learning by doing. When kids sit down and make something with their hands for someone else, they practice planning, decision making and thoughtfulness toward others. Our goal in 4-H is to give that opportunity to learn by doing to as many Florida youth as possible,” Gutter said.
Thousands of local 4-H members, staff, volunteers and supporters will join with JOANN customers to ensure more kids get that chance through a new Paper Clover campaign to bring hands-on 4-H programs to the state.
The Paper Clover campaign will take place in 865 JOANN Fabrics stores nationwide from Feb. 1 through 28. Supporters will have a chance to share their hearts and show their love for 4-H by purchasing $1 and $4 Paper Clovers to equip local 4-H clubs with resources to reach more kids in need.
When more Florida youth have access to local 4-H programming, they will participate in hands-on projects where they can design, create and make for themselves. These experiences are proven to rekindle a love of learning and produce a variety of benefits – from strengthening their creativity and imaginative thinking to improving their motor skills, coordination and self-esteem.
Proceeds from the Paper Clover campaign will directly support UF/IFAS Extension 4-H programs. Each Paper Clover will include instructions for a special Valentine’s Day craft idea that customers can create to share with someone special. With the $4 Paper Clover, customers will also receive a coupon for $4 off their next purchase.
To learn more about the national partnership, visit www.4-h.org/JOANN. To learn more about Florida 4-H programs in your county, visit florida4h.org.
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The mission of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences is to develop knowledge relevant to agricultural, human and natural resources and to make that knowledge available to sustain and enhance the quality of human life. With more than a dozen research facilities, 67 county Extension offices, and award-winning students and faculty in the UF College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, UF/IFAS works to bring science-based solutions to the state’s agricultural and natural resources industries, and all Florida residents. Visit the UF/IFAS web site at ifas.ufl.edu and follow us on social media at @UF_IFAS.
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