An age-old classic program in communities across the country is the local 4-H. Ask around, it is likely that your child, if in 4th grade or above, your parents and grandparents, all have been touched by 4-H at some point in time.
Whether the memory is of giving a beekeeping speech in 4th grade, baking biscuits at the Tennessee Valley Fair, showing sheep all across the south, learning to use a sewing machine, shooting shotguns or just learning parliamentary procedure at a young age, we have all had some part in the 4-H program.
With the life lessons that are instilled in youths thru 4-H, it is little to ask to give back a small amount to keep the program going.
There are many ways to give back, but a goal of the Union County 4-H program is to grow their endowment. What does that mean to me, you ask? The endowment is a fund that is kept by the Tennessee 4-H Foundation that, as it grows, gives a quarterly payout to the county. Each county has their own endowment, so any donations meant for Union County youths will be earmarked for that purpose.
Donations can be made payable to Tennessee 4-H Foundation with Union County in the memo.
Mail your donation to: Tennessee 4-H Foundation, 2621 Morgan Circle, 205 Morgan Hall, Knoxville, TN 37996, or you can drop it off at the local 4-H office located at 3925 Maynardville Highway between Raven Beauty and Mission Hope Pediatric Therapy.
Aside from cash donations, you can link your Kroger card to the Union County endowment. This is a simple way to give that takes nothing but a few minutes to link. To contribute to this effortless giving campaign, go to Kroger.com, click on my account, choose community awards, add/change organization, type in LK386, choose TN 4-H Foundation – Union County, then click enroll. This is the only step to contribute each time you shop at Kroger using your value card. Someone at the Union County office can help you if you need assistance.
Another way to give is with your time. Volunteers are always needed. Leading programs, organizing materials, judging contests—there is always a need.
If you would like to get involved, reach out to the local 4-H agent, Olivia Howard, at olivia@utk.edu or 865-992-8038. Help keep the legacy of 4-H in communities alive as life skills are taught and community service is encouraged. Values that last a lifetime can start with you.