(Posted October 7, 2015)
By Kristy Zurbrick, Madison Editor
Buy a paper clover, lace up your running shoes, shop for toys. These are three ways to support the Madison County 4-H program in October and November.
Paper Clovers
Tractor Supply Co. in London is hosting an in-store fundraiser to benefit 4-H. Anyone who visits the store between now and Oct. 18 can buy a paper clover for $1 or more at checkout. The spring paper clover campaign raised $236 for local 4-H program needs.
“We’re trying to build up our supply of educational resources so we can do in-school programs and 4-H clubs, as well as enrichment programs,” said Kirsten Holt, Madison County 4-H educator and county director.
Local 4-H youths will be at the store this weekend and next to promote the paper clover sales. The store is located at 304 Lafayette St.
Tractor Supply Co. has partnered with the National 4-H Council on the paper clover campaign for the past six years. Last year, the effort raised a total of $1.7 million across 49 states. Go to www.tractorsupply.com/4-H for more information or contact Holt at the Madison County Extension office, (740) 852-0975 or holt.375@osu.edu.
Clover Fun Run
The Madison County 4-H Advisory Committee invites all ages to enter the Clover Fun Run 5K run/walk set for 9 a.m. Oct. 31. The event starts at the Madison County Fairgrounds, 205 Elm St., London.
The cost to enter is $25 ($15 for children 12 and younger). Anyone who doesn’t wish to walk or run but wants to support the event can register as a virtual participant for $20. Entrants who sign up by Oct. 19 are guaranteed to receive a t-shirt. Go to https://www.raceentry.com/races/clover-fun-run/2015/register to register online or contact the OSU Extension Office, 852-0975, for an entry form. Additionally, entry forms can be downloaded from the county website, madison.osu.edu.
Dogs are permitted on the course as long as they are up-to-date on vaccinations and leashed (four-foot nylon leashes only; no retractable leashes).
Proceeds from the fun run will go toward Advisory Committee initiatives, such as college scholarships for 4-Hers, fairgrounds improvements, program supplies, and scholarships to send youths to 4-H summer camp.
Ohio 4-H Cares For Kids
The Madison County 4-H program is participating in Ohio 4-H Cares for Kids, a statewide collection drive to donate items to pediatric cancer patients. The items will go to young patients as Christmas presents and as gifts for families staying at the Ronald McDonald House.
Last year, Ohio 4-Hers collected and donated 1,200 items. The goal this year is to double that total. In Madison County, supporters can drop off items at the OSU Extension Office, 217 Elm St., London, during business hours. Additionally, organizers are encouraging participants in the Oct. 31 Clover Fun Run to bring donations with them.
Items needed include hats, new toys, books, blankets, toiletries, games, and non-perishable food. The Madison County 4-H program is collecting items through Nov. 15.
“We think it’s a great way for a youth organization to help other youths,” said Holt.
For more information, call Holt at (740) 852-0975.
