By: Ryan Duey

The Dickinson County 4-H Foundation will host its 14th annual Phone-a-thon on Tuesday, March 4th, and Wednesday, March 5th, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. each night at the Chisholm Trail District office in Abilene.

Jill Martinson, 4-H Youth Development Agent, works with the 4-H members during the Phone-a-thon. She spoke of how this annual event works.

“We have 4-Hers who have volunteered to help with it. They come into our office according to a schedule, and they make phone calls to some of our past 4-H supporters, alumni, and friends of the organization. They check with them to see if they would like to donate to the 4-H Foundation.”

“Following the call, the donor would receive a letter saying thank you for your donation with instructions on how to mail the donation back.”

Martinson said that while times have changed when it comes to landlines and phones, the members still enjoy doing this Phone-a-thon, as it is a personal way to reach out to supporters and thank them for their efforts.

All proceeds go to the 4-H Foundation, which helps the 4-H program as a whole.

“Our 4-H Foundation is very supportive of finding ways to help our 4-H program as a whole. They support our individual clubs, 4-Hers attending State and Regional events, as well as 4-H camp. They also support the members’ work at our local fair, the Central Kansas Free Fair.”

“This Phone-a-thon is one way that we generate those funds that help to support all of the different missions of our 4-H Foundation.”

Martinson said anyone who does not receive a call or would simply like to help support the Dickinson County 4-H youth programs can do so at any time by calling the Chisholm Trail District office at (785) 263-2001.