The Spring 2013 4-H Paper Clover Campaign in partnership with Tractor Supply Company (TSC) is taking place May 8 – 19.  Now in its fourth year, the fundraiser allows TSC shoppers to purchase paper clovers for $1 at checkout.  In addition to the $1 Paper Clover, there will now be a $5 Paper Clover available which will be larger than the original.  Both $1 and $5 Paper Clovers will have a $1 or $2 Purina coupon attached available to customers when they make a donation to 4-H.

Paper Clovers are being sold at the 990 Tractor Supply Centers throughout the country to support 4-H.  In New York State 65 percent of the monies raised will be allocated to county 4-H programs and the NYS 4-H Foundation will receive ten percent of the funds raised.  In Fulton and Montgomery Counties there are two Tractor Supply Stores – one at 4584 State Highway 30 in Amsterdam and one at 27 Arterial Plaza in Gloversville.  Individuals are encouraged to shop TSC and buy a clover during this special promotion to support local 4-H youth development program activities.

To date, all TSC 4-H Paper Clover Promotions nationwide have raised a total of approximately $2,161,287. County 4-H programs have received approximately $1,296,772, state 4-H programs have received approximately $216,128 and National 4-H Council has received $648,386. The effort has provided support for 4-H clubs, school enrichment, after-school programs, special interest programs and other activities so youth can explore their interests in everything from animal science to robotics.  Monies from the 2012 TSC 4-H Paper Clover Campaigns helped partially underwrite expenses for Fulton/Montgomery 4-H members to participate in the 4-H Career Explorations Program at Cornell University and helped support the implementation of a two-day 4-H Veterinary Science program for local teens.

“We are thrilled to continue the Paper Clover promotion in more than 900 Tractor Supply Company stores and to expand our relationship into exciting new areas that will drive increased funding to 4-H communities all across the nation,” said Donald T. Floyd, Jr., president and CEO of National 4-H Council.  “Tractor Supply Company has been a proven partner, committed to helping fund 4-H programs which teach young people to make positive contributions in their communities and become strong, confident adults.”

For information about 4-H youth development programming in Fulton and Montgomery Counties, individuals may contact the Cornell Cooperative Extension Office at 50 East Main Street in Canajoharie, New York at 518-673-5525 or lew9@cornell.edu.