Retailer matching donations up to $30K to restore 4-H in LaneCo
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EUGENE, Ore. - The 4-H program has been a staple in Oregon communities for generations.
Kids learn important skills by raising an animal to eventually sell at auction or other projects.
Lane County 4-H shut down two years ago because of funding problems.
Now retailer Coastal Farm and Ranch is stepping in to help.
The store is matching all donations, dollar for dollar, up to $30,000. Coastal is taking donations until the end of the month.
Assisant manager Sara Varozza said that since Lane County 4-H stopped, families have been traveling outside the area to continue particiapting in the program.
"Coastal Farms thinks it is important to have kids raise an animal themselves, take care of it, budget for the animal," she said. "It's something most kids do all the way through school up to a senior in high school. A lot of them use the money for savings accounts, going to college or their future.")
The Oregon State Extension Service will hold two town hall meetings to share ideas on how to structure the program.
Pretty good advertising campaign, they should eventually come out ahead on this deal. That being said, good for them anyway, and this is why. Kids caring for animals is a good thing. They can learn so much from caring for something that is dependant on them. They learn responsibility, and compassion. They can take pride in their achievements, and many times even receive very nice rewards for their efforts. 4H is good for kids, and good for animals.