By Sharon Omahen
University of Georgia

Kroger customers can help build a new cabin at the Rock Eagle 4-H Center by buying a $1 paper icon at any of the grocery retailer’s 173 stores across Georgia between now and Feb. 2.

“This is a tremendous opportunity for Georgians to support an organization that has provided countless opportunities for our children throughout the years,” said Glynn Jenkins, Kroger communications director.

Kroger is the first corporate partner in the Rock Eagle 4-H Center Cabin Campaign, said Mary Ann Parsons, the Georgia 4-H Foundation director of development.

Campaign organizers hope to raise $27 million to construct 52 new cabins, including the Kroger cabin, at the center, which is near Eatonton, Ga.

“At the conclusion of this campaign, we will not only have raised funds to support the 4-H program,” Jenkins said, “but we will also have informed Kroger customers and others across Georgia about the important role Georgia 4-H plays in shaping our children.”

The center has 54 cabins originally designed in the 1950s and renovated in the late 1980s. They have given shelter to more than 3 million 4-H’ers and adults.

In 2004, a new prototype cabin was built at the center. It is open for use now. The new cabins will be handicap accessible and accommodate 22 people.

To find the Kroger store nearest you, visit www.kroger.com. To learn more about the fundraising project, visit www.georgia4hfoundation.org.