DANVILLE — The FFA jacket is one of the most recognizable aspects of the FFA Organization. The jacket is a symbol of being part of something bigger than yourself in an organization that exemplifies leadership and career development.
The blue corduroy jacket was created in Fredericktown, in 1933 by Dr. Gus Lintner. There are 80,000 FFA jackets made annually.
Four Danville FFA members received their jacket at no cost to themselves through the chapter’s annual fruit sale program. The members, freshmen Ike Ball III, Hunter Hanners, Billy Hood, and Ethan Swendal, all raised enough money to purchase their jackets through the fruit sale.
Members wear their jacket with official dress at various functions, including contests, conventions, leadership activities, and the annual awards banquet.
Jackets can cost members $60 to $85 a piece, and in an effort to make them more affordable, chapters run programs through which members can earn them, along with the National FFA Organization’s Give the Gift of Blue program.
Depending on the age of the jacket, they can also be re-lettered with a member’s name when donated. Some chapters even keep spare jackets for members who need them.
If you’re interested in helping donate jackets to members in need, contact your local chapter, or visit ffa.org/giveblue/
