CHEVY CHASE, Md., Jan. 29, 2018 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The nation's largest youth development organization is teaming up with a leading craft retailer to ensure young people everywhere have access to hands-on learning. National 4-H Council and JOANN Stores today announced a partnership that will help more kids 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, 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, February 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.

"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.

To learn more about the rewards program, events and partnership, visit www.4-h.org/JOANN.

About 4-H
4-H, the nation's largest youth development organization, grows confident young people who are empowered for life today and prepared for career tomorrow. 4-H programs empower nearly six million young people across the U.S. through experiences that develop critical life skills. 4-H is the youth development program of our nation's Cooperative Extension System and USDA, and serves every county and parish in the U.S. through a network of 110 public universities and more than 3000 local Extension offices. Globally, 4-H collaborates with independent programs to empower one million youth in 50 countries. The research-backed 4-H experience grows young people who are four times more likely to contribute to their communities; two times more likely to make healthier choices; two times more likely to be civically active; and two times more likely to participate in STEM programs.  Learn more about 4-H at www.4-H.org, find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/4-H and on Twitter at https://twitter.com/4H.

About JOANN
For nearly 75 years, JOANN has inspired creativity in the hearts, hands, and minds of its customers. From a single storefront in Cleveland, Ohio, the nation's leading fabric and craft retailer has grown to include nearly 900 stores across 49 states and an industry-leading e-commerce business. With the goal of helping every customer find their creative Happy Place, JOANN serves as a convenient single stop for all of the supplies, guidance, and inspiration needed to achieve any project or passion. For store locations, project ideas, and a full product offering, visit joann.com.

SOURCE National 4-H Council

Related Links

http://www.4-h.org