MONTICELLO, Ill. — Piatt and DeWitt 4-H shooting sports club members will benefit from a recent National Rifle Association Foundation donation of shotgun shells, pellets, and safety glasses. The donation will help further the success of these programs.

“These young folks are very well versed in the safety aspects of the sport as well as the time involved and the dedication to perfecting their shooting ability,” says Piatt 4-H Club leader Tom Bates. “This donation will help our club continue meeting and enjoying the shooting sports."

DeWitt 4-H Club Leader Dan Loveless says, “These donations will greatly support our efforts to introduce the area youth to shooting sports.” 

The NRA Foundation has awarded more than 457 million in grants since 1990. The grants aim to promote firearms and hunting safety, enhance marksmanship for those who participate in shooting sports, and provide firearms education.

4-H Shooting Sports clubs are open to all youth ages 8 to 18.  Youth learn marksmanship, the safe and responsible use of firearms, the principles of shooting, and much more. The activities of the program and the support of caring adult leaders provide young people with opportunities to develop life skills, self-worth, and conservation ethics.

ABOUT EXTENSION: Illinois Extension leads public outreach for University of Illinois by translating research into action plans that allow Illinois families, businesses, and community leaders to solve problems, make informed decisions, and adapt to changes and opportunities.

ABOUT 4-H: Illinois 4-H empowers and prepares Illinois youth for success. University of Illinois Extension provides 4-H programs in every county in Illinois, affecting the lives of 200,000 youth each year through sustained learning clubs, groups, and short-term programming.

WRITER: Maria Lightner, Marketing and Communications, University of Illinois Extension