AMES, Iowa—The Iowa 4-H Foundation suggests that “you double the fun this holiday season” with items from the foundation gift shop, such as a pair of the new Iowa 4-H bears.

The two bears, Clever and Cardio, represent the head and heart of the 4-H pledge. They are the first of four plush bears in a new limited-edition collector set offered by the foundation.

Albert Grunenwald, associate director of the Iowa 4-H Foundation, said, "I've heard the 4-H pledge recited from memory by seven-year-olds and seventy-year-olds alike. This is a great gift for anyone who is or was a 4-H member.”

Each bear in the new series comes with part of the 4-H pledge printed on its nametag. Collecting the entire set reveals the complete text of the pledge. The foundation plans to release Can-Do (hands) and Carbo (health) at the 2007 Iowa State Fair. Clever and Cardio are the eighth and ninth bears in the Iowa 4-H bear series that includes Clarion (1999), Clover (2000), Clarinda (2001), Curtiss (2002), Chloe (2003), Champ (2004) and Camper (2005).

For book lovers, consider “A 4-H Story: Helping Hands, Caring Hearts,” an ABC storybook written and illustrated by two Iowa 4-H alumni. Readers young and old will learn that A is for Agriculture…B is for Boys Clubs and Girls Clubs…and C is for Clover as they discover the history of the 4-H youth movement and the opportunities it offers young people.

Music lovers can purchase the CD, “Songs of the 4-H Clover,” containing eight songs conducted by the late Max Exner and performed by the Chamber Singers of Iowa State. Originally recorded on LP Record in 1963, this album was made to “encourage singing in club meetings and other 4-H events.” The CD also includes song lyrics and historical notes.

The set of bears sells for $20 and books and CDs for $10 each (plus shipping). All proceeds support the Iowa 4-H youth program. Orders can be placed online at https://www.iowa4hfoundation.org/store.

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