No, you didn't read that wrong. We received the strangest catalog in the mail this year. It almost got lost in the slew of holiday catalogs that descended upon us in November. It did catch Lizzy's eye, however, because it had the picture of a sheep on the front cover. It was a catalog of livestock and other creatures that you can "gift." Lizzy wanted to know about the animals for sale, so I read it and was pleasantly surprised. Strange, yes, but it turns out that it is a great way to help families in need around the world. What I really like about this organization is that they actually help families become self-sufficient. The families receive a cow (or a flock of chickens, or whatever you choose) and training on how to maintain their new "asset." As a result, they gain a sustainable source of food and income for their family. Of course, this is geared more toward families living in 3rd world countries rather than inner-city USA.
Lizzy was so enamored with the idea of giving someone livestock for Christmas, that our kids decided to raise money to buy honey bees and a share of a goat for someone in need. Taylor and I helped them bake loads of carmel corn on Saturday and they sold bags on the street corner for a good cause. Gramma Karen even pitched in some of her famous cookies to sell. The girls sold every last morsel and reached their goal. Yay!
If you want to check out the website for Heifer International, here's the link:
