Tennessee 4-H

Members of 4-H, the nation’s largest youth development organization, learn by doing. It’s just how the organization works. Young people participate in a wide range of activities – from farming and showing sheep to engaging in cultural exchange programs – to develop citizenship, leadership, responsibility, and life skills.

In Tennessee, the current statewide focus for 4-H is on improving the lives of those who need it most. And not just in Tennessee, but globally.

Almost 200,000 young Tennesseans from 4^th to 12^th grade have taken on a big project with Operation Christmas Child, the world’s largest Christmas outreach program.

Their goal? To fill 5,000 shoeboxes with useful items for children.

It’s a lofty goal, but it’s one that’s made a little easier with an ePromos for Good win. Justin Crowe with the Tennessee 4-H Foundation wants to use his free $500 in promotional merchandise to purchase sling bags for the kids.

“Children often have to walk several miles to transport things, so these bags will fill multiple needs,” he says. “I’ve also seen the impact these tangible gifts can have.”

Crowe and 4-H members have been collecting items all year to place in the shoeboxes, as well as raising funds to cover the $7 shipping fee per box. Drawstring bags will be the perfect addition to the shoeboxes.

For Crowe, putting together the donations is an excellent teaching moment.

“I want to instill a sense of global citizenship. People are in need around the world – not just in our own backyards,” he says. “I want this to be a full-circle experience.”

Learn more about Tennessee 4-H here: http://4h.tennessee.edu/index.html.