In the process of teaching our children good values, we need to teach them the art of Giving, whether it is helping a family we know personally, giving toys to children less fortunate or using a portion of our money, and theirs, to help a worthwhile organization. The wonderful thing about Heifer International is the extension of the idea that “it’s better to teach a man to fish so he can feed himself than to give him a fish that will feed him only once”. With the Heifer Gift Ark, the gift of just one animal could eventually benefit an entire community.

Since 1944, more than 9.2 million families have moved closer to self-reliance for food and income with Heifer International’s assistance. This is a program that we can all become involved with to help end hunger and also provide hope for the future to families all over the world. It is also a perfect opportunity for teaching children about these important issues and show how they can be involved. A really big step is when a child actually asks that someone give him/her one of these wonderful Ark animals in their name, as their birthday gift.

We are so impressed with Heifer’s Gift Ark that supports their mission, furnishing quality animals wherever they are needed most, while providing extensive training and support to the recipients. The Gift Ark is a life-changing parade of Heifer animals that offers you the choice of providing chicks, sheep, rabbits, beehives, llamas, goats, pigs, camels, water buffalo and cows.

Some of the GIFTS you can give will help in these wonderful ways.

COWS Cows provide manure for fertilizer, draft power to plow fields, one calf a year and four gallons of milk a day. The milk that is not used to feed the family can be sold for income.

RABBITS Because rabbits reproduce rapidly, they are a great source of protein and steady income for families with limited land. Their nitrogen-rich manure can also greatly improve crop yields.

TREES & BEES Trees stabilize topsoil, protect groundwater and can be used as animal feed, fencing and firewood. Bees produce honey and wax that struggling farmers can sell for income. Bees also pollinate fields, often tripling crop yields.

LLAMAS Llamas are terrific assets to farmers in the highlands of South America. Families weave clothing and blankets from the llama’s abundant wool fiber, and the nimble intelligent creatures can survive on twigs and moss.

To find out more about Heifer International and all of their programs, including the Gift Ark animals, go to http://www.heifer.org

From our friends at Mommie 911 and Ziggity Zoom