National 4‑H Council and JOANN Fabric Stores announce a partnership that will help more children learn by doing, creating and making. Through a combination of material donations, member discounts, special programs and in-store giving, current and future 4‑H members across the U.S. will benefit from the collaboration.
“Studies show many students lose their natural love of learning between kindergarten and their senior year of high school,” said Jennifer Sirangelo, president and CEO, National 4‑H Council.
“4‑H programming allows students to participate in projects where they can design, create and make for themselves. These hands-on experiences are proven to rekindle a love of learning, strengthen creativity and imaginative thinking, and improve motor skills, coordination and self-esteem. Our partnership with JOANN will allow us to expand those experiences and help more students across the nation continue to learn and grow.”
Current and lifetime 4‑H members, parents, volunteers and staff can save 15 percent off all in-store and online purchases with JOANN'S 4-H Rewards Program (https://4-h.org/get-involved/partners/joann-fabric-craft-stores/#!4h-rewards-card) and the retailer will give a minimum 2.5 percent of every eligible transaction to support 4‑H programming.
Kicking off the partnership in stores, a campaign across JOANN’s nearly 900 locations will allow customers, 4‑H members and supporters to share their hearts by purchasing $1 and $4 Paper Clovers throughout February. Proceeds will help to equip local clubs with resources to reach more young people in need.
Additionally, Saturday, Feb. 3, all 4‑H members are invited to visit their local JOANN stores to hand-make Valentine’s Day cards for local senior citizen centers, children’s and veterans’ hospitals, and others in need during the month of love. 4-H members in LaSalle, Marshall, Putnam and Bureau counties can partner with the local JOANN store in the Peru Mall.
“We know every child is unique, and we all think, learn and grow differently,” said Jill Soltau, president and CEO of JOANN. “We’re glad to be partnering with 4‑H to give more young people the opportunity to learn by using their hearts, hands and minds. The programming 4‑H provides offers invaluable skills that members can use throughout their lives, and we are committed to helping future generations embrace creativity and learning.”
Proceeds from February’s Paper Clover Campaign will directly support 4‑H programs in the local communities in which they are purchased. 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.