INDIANAPOLIS – More than 18,500 FFA members have received a blue jacket through a program designed to provide the iconic jackets to students who can’t afford to purchase them, according to an official with the organization.

The Give the Gift of Blue program began in 2014. FFA hopes to award its 20,000th jacket next year, said Logan Everett, FFA program specialist, programs and events division. Money to purchase the jackets comes from donors. A jacket awarded through the program costs $85 and includes a scarf or tie, she said.

“It had been an idea/dream for a while and after seeing how many of our chapters were coming from schools with high percentages of free and reduced lunch counts, we realized if you can’t afford school lunch, it would be tough to afford a jacket,” Everett explained. “We knew there was a need and were finally able to build a system and get sponsors on board.”

Any FFA member who is officially registered on an FFA chapter roster is eligible to receive a jacket through the program, she said. Members may apply or be nominated by a teacher, family or community member.

“The jacket unifies members in a long-standing tradition and reminds them that they are part of something bigger than themselves,” Everett noted. “There is also a sense of pride and belonging that comes from seeing their own name on the front of a jacket that belongs to themselves.”

Madison Williams, a member of the Miles City (Montana) FFA chapter for two years, received her blue jacket about two months ago. She heard about the program from her grandparents, Tennyson and JoAnna (Kotar) Williams.

Several of her family members – grandparents, parents and sisters – have been active in FFA.

“My parents used to tell all these stories from FFA and how it’s important to learn about and respect our roots in agriculture,” Williams said. “When I got to middle school and FFA became an option, I wanted to see what all the hype was for and now being an active member myself, I can feel the excitement and it’s an absolute honor to continue in this organization as my family has for generations. I know to anyone who hasn’t been involved with FFA it’s just a really nice jacket, but from where I’m standing in this blue and gold, I’m the new era of agriculture and I feel it is my responsibility to carry on the legacy of my family.”

Cheyenne Broome received her jacket in late October. Broome has been a member of the Chattooga County (Georgia) FFA chapter for four years.

“I read about the Give the Gift of Blue in the New Horizons magazine,” she said. “I was surprised to get my jacket – my adviser, Mr. (David) Yarbrough, surprised me with it. It makes me happy to know that I have my own jacket.”

Three members of the Goshen (Alabama) FFA chapter received their jackets in early October. They heard about the program from Christian Stanley, their FFA adviser.

“It was an amazing opportunity to receive my jacket as part of this program,” said Addison Richburg, the chapter’s reporter. “It means a lot to know that there are supporters out there that are willing to help create the next generation of agricultural leaders. I am incredibly grateful to the sponsors and supporters who made it possible to receive my jacket without the financial burden to my family.

“To me, being able to wear the blue jacket is a reflection of tradition. I am a third generation member of the Goshen FFA chapter and my dad and granddad were both chapter presidents. I hope one day to follow in their footsteps and possibly even run for state office.”

The chapter’s historian is McKinnley Smith.

“(Receiving the jacket) meant that someone was out there supporting me and my journey as an FFA member,” she said. “I was able to receive an FFA jacket and wear the blue and gold. When I zip up my jacket, I feel like I am part of something bigger than myself. I am not just part of my chapter or state association, I am part of a group of people across the country who share my love for agriculture.”

Jamious Williams is the chapter’s sentinel.

“It means a lot to me to be a part of this program because they could have chosen anyone to help support but they chose me,” he pointed out. “These supporters seeing the opportunity to support me in my leadership journey within FFA is something I am very grateful for. Wearing the FFA jacket is an honor and a privilege. When I think about those that came before me that wore this jacket and what they are doing now to change the world of agriculture, it means a lot to know that I am part of the same organization that helped shape them.

“I show cattle as part of our chapter show team and I hope one day to become a successful member of the livestock industry. FFA has helped me on my path to this success.”

For more information about the Give the Gift of Blue program, visit ffa.org/giveblue/. Donations to the program are tax deductible.