The NRA Foundation Inc. has awarded the Jackson County 4-H Shooting Sports Club a grant totaling $5,508.69 of equipment to continue to build the club.
This is the second year for the club to receive a grant.
"We are excited that the NRA Foundation continues to help get the shooting sports program in Jackson County up and running and pleased that the NRA is making this investment in our community," said Jeannie Redicker, leader of the shooting sports rifle club.
"The NRA Foundation and Friends of NRA are big supporters of youth organizations, and I knew we could count on them to support our 4-H shooting sports program, but we were surprised at the generosity they have shown again this year,” Redicker said.
The Jackson County 4-H Shooting Sports Club was revived in the spring of 2018 after it had been stagnant for a number of years.
Redicker said she had to start the rifle program completely from scratch.
"All the club had were a few shotguns, two clay throwers and some old archery bows," she said. "Now, the club has eight rifles, shooting mats, slings, ear and eye protection."
The rifle program has been completely funded by the NRA Foundation grant, the generosity of local gun stores and a few individuals who have donated all of the items the club now has, Redicker said.
In addition, the NRA Foundation grant has provided clays and ammunition for both the rifle and shotgun clubs.
Jackson County 4-H shooting sports is open to boys and girls in grades 3 through 12. Currently, rifle and shotgun clubs are offered. In the near future, an archery club will be offered.
Established in 1990, The NRA Foundation Inc. is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization that raises tax-deductible contributions in support of a wide range of firearm-related public interest activities of the National Rifle Association of America and other organizations that defend and foster the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding Americans.
These activities are designed to promote firearm and hunting safety, enhance marksmanship skills of those participating in the shootings sports and educate the general public about firearms in their historic, technological and artistic context.
Friends of NRA is a grassroots fundraising program that fosters community involvement to organize and with help from NRA field staff plan community events for firearms enthusiasts. All net proceeds from Friends of NRA events are allocated to The NRA Foundation.
Through NRA Foundation grants for equipment, training materials, range improvements and more, qualified local, state and national programs receive aid to involve and inspire a new generation of competitive shooters.