Crenshaw County’s 4-H program will be participating in Alabama Gives Day on Thursday, which is aimed at supporting nonprofit organizations across the state.

“Even though this is being done online and will go through a state channel, all the money donated will come directly back here to the county,” said Regional Extension Agent Lindsay Kimbro.

On Feb. 2, residents can visit www.Alabama4H.com and click on the “Give to 4-H” button, or the form can be accessed directly at . A drop-down box gives the option to select “Crenshaw County.”
There are also plans to assist anyone who needs help in making a donation.

On Feb. 2, the Extension Office (located in the county courthouse) will have refreshments available to anyone who needs to come use their computers, and Extension agents will help with the process.

“No donation is too large or too small,” Kimbro said. “A donation to any nonprofit is tax-deductible, and you will receive a letter from the 4-H Foundation.”

Kimbro said that the local budget has been cut, and donations will help fund everything from the Mid-Winter Teen Leadership Retreat, Junior Leadership Retreat, 4-H Summer camp and the Youth Leadership Conference to competitive events such as judging and wildlife and habitation programs.

“Last year, we took about 100 kids to summer camp,” Kimbro said. “We also don’t have a designated agent to go into the schools, so we’re working harder to get the word out, increase our visibility and offer more opportunities to youth.”

The Gives Day movement began three years ago in Minnesota as a means to increase philanthropy and help grow the individual donor base of nonprofits.

This year, Minnesota’s Give to the Max day saw 47,538 donations totaling $13.4 million.

Colorado Gives Day recently had 52,000 donations totaling $12 million.

When presented with a new way to give online, community members have overwhelmingly shown their support through donations, and while the immediate benefit is huge, the ripple effects of giving have helped spur other philanthropic endeavors, according to organizers in Minnesota and Colorado.
Alabama Gives Day hopes to follow suit, breaking philanthropic records statewide.

“Donations are vital to Alabama 4-H, and we are glad to be partnering with the Alabama Association of Nonprofits in this historic effort,” said Dorman Grace, chairman of the Alabama Club Foundation.

“This opportunity is a win-win for Alabama 4-H youth, Alabama nonprofits and the entire state. Every donation is important and will go to Alabama.”

Lamar Nichols, assistant director of 4-H and Youth Development for the Alabama Cooperative Extension System, said money raised in this one-day effort will be directed to the local 4-H program in each county.

“County programs are the heart of 4-H, and today more than ever before, local funding is critical,” he said. “Unless a donor designates otherwise, funds generated from Alabama Gives Day go directly to the county 4-H program where it will best serve 4-H youth.”

4-H is the state’s largest youth education organization, reaching more than 84,000 youth between the ages of 9 and 18.

There are nearly 1,700 clubs throughout Alabama’s 67 counties.

4-H teaches leadership, citizenship and positive character development, and provides programs, competitions, events and activities for youth in rural and urban settings through in-school programs, community clubs and special interest groups.

To find out more about Alabama 4-H, go to www.Alabama4H.com.