April 30 marks this year’s Purdue Day of Giving and an opportunity to give back to Purdue Extension.
Purdue Day of Giving annually brings people together to support their favorite Purdue unit, including Purdue Extension and its 92 counties. Each donation to a county stays within that county and helps it to climb in rank on the Day of Giving leaderboards. Anyone can participate through donating and taking part in the hourly and full-day challenges.
Last year, Purdue Extension had 100% county participation. These funds have allowed educators from every program area to better serve their communities.
Elkhart County topped the Extension leaderboard last year and used Day of Giving donations to offset program costs, like workshop fees, and to meet everyday needs.
I think everyone gets intimidated thinking, ‘Oh, my small donation doesn’t make a difference,’ but it does. Every little amount helps support Extension and the programming we're doing.”
- Robby Kelly, Elkhart County 4-H Youth Development Educator
Rebekah Cartwright, Jennings County Extension director and 4-H youth development educator, said last year’s Day of Giving funds provided programs like Chicks in the Classroom, the Mini 4-H Cloverbud Spring Sprout Days, community garden beds and hydroponic systems at elementary schools.
“These funds have really gone a long way for the Jennings County community, and we couldn't be more grateful!" Cartwright said.
Extension educators are hopeful that this year will bring programming and resources to even more Hoosiers.
Stephen Dishinger, Bartholomew County health and human sciences educator, is excited to continue serving his community through the Food Is Medicine program, which helps people living with or at risk of chronic diseases develop strategies and relationships necessary for achieving a healthier way of life.
Supporting local Purdue Extension offices is supporting the well-being of your neighbors and the overall wellness of your county.
- Stephen Dishinger, Bartholomew County Health and Human sciences Educator
Steve Yoder, Extension community development regional educator, hopes to meet community needs through the Building Stronger Boards program. Building Stronger Boards equips nonprofit board members with strategies to run engaging meetings and better meet community needs.
“When people give, they are supporting our efforts at the local level to get this programming out to their community volunteers who serve on boards,” Yoder said. “What people give to Extension bounces right back into their communities.”
Mark your calendars for April 30 and get ready to be a hero for your community! Follow Purdue Extension on Facebook, X and LinkedIn to stay up to date on the Purdue Day of Giving leaderboard, challenges and county victories. Visit the Purdue Day of Giving website to learn more.