Educating with a New Partner

                             

It was a Saturday like any other in Robeson County with one exception...a new business in Lumberton created an awesome opportunity for Robeson County 4-H one that has the chance to grow into a great partnership.

Tractor Supply Company opened a new store in Lumberton at the end of March, just in time to take part in the company's 4-H paper clover campaign.  The national company holds a campaign from May 8-19 offering customers a paper clover that they can write their names on for a dollar or five dollar donation at the register.  There is a complicated splitting of the funds but essentially the funds go to National 4-H, to the two land grant universities in our state (N. C. State and A&T University), State 4-H, and a portion of what is raised in this store will come back to our local county program.  The paper clover campaign happens twice a year and is a great way to not only fundraiser but market our 4-H program.

Being the first time out the staff of the local store asked if we would come out and raise awareness for the campaign and our program by conducting an activity at the store.  We must say thank you to the members and volunteers of the All Around All Stars, Titans, Dirty Dozen, Dirty Rascals, Doin' it Big, Inspirational Youth Leaders, and Young Leaders 4-H Clubs for coming out to help.  Also County Council Officers Shabreya Vample, Dillion McCartney, and Alexus Jones for helping lead the activity during the day.  In keeping with our hands on educational teaching method we decided to conduct a plant people activity with each of the you who came out to the store.  Each child made their own person with the help of the officers and members who were there while the adults talked with the parents about the 4-H and overall Extension Program.  

The benefits of the day are long ranging.  Yes, paper clovers were sold but even more importantly we were able to teach youth about plant science, introduce hem to 4-H, and members were even recruited for some of the clubs.  Clubs who had representation at the event for a two hour shift will be able to claim this as a community service project.  Parents are now familiar with Extension and 4-H and we had a great time while we were there.  The staff of Tractor Supply could not have been nicer and took great care of all of us.  We are looking forward to working them again with a mutual partnership that benefits not only their business but our program and ultimately the community.  

Again thank you to everyone who came out and made this day a great success!