Buy Livestock for Those in Need - 52 Weeks of Giving - Week 50

On Friday night and Saturday afternoon, Sophia and Olivia participated in a play at church (The Best Christmas Pageant Ever). All of the proceeds from ticket sales, donations, and the spaghetti dinner benefited the ELCA World Hunger Campaign.

According to the ELCA website, "ELCA World Hunger responds to hunger and poverty in the United States and around the world by addressing root causes. Through a comprehensive program of relief, development, education, and advocacy, people are connected to the resources they need to lift themselves out of poverty. Between 70-75 percent of ELCA World Hunger funds are spent internationally, and 20-25 percent are spent domestically."

As part of the ELCA World Hunger Campaign, there's a program called "Good Gifts." Basically, people can purchase items that are donated to people in need throughout the world.

The 20 children in the play set a goal of wanting to raise enough money to buy an alpaca ($175). They felt this was an ambitious - yet attainable - goal. 

This afternoon, at the end of the play, the pastor shared more about the program and the children's goal. At this point, no one knew - except the pastor - approximately how much had been raised. He shared the good news: the children had raised enough money to buy an alpaca for an individual or family in need.

Even better news: they had raised over $1,200! They could buy the alpaca, an entire farm, chicks, and even more.  The children were THRILLED! Sophia and Olivia's mouths literally dropped when they heard the amount of money that could be raised. The smiles and excitement from them - and all the children - was inspiring!

Truly, the children are going to make such a significant impact on people throughout the world because the community helped support their goal.

Here's a bit more about what the children are able to buy. The information is taken from the Good Gifts website, with links to particular items that can be purchased and donated to those in need.

A Whole Farm
A cow, a couple of goats, 10 chicks, two pigs, a duck, farming tools—plus training and marketing support—can help a family farm its way to a fresh start. With new tools and techniques, crops will grow bigger and stronger than ever before. Eggs, milk and meat from farm animals will provide enough food to eat and sell on the market, helping a family escape the cycle of hunger and poverty for good.

Alpaca

The soft fleece of an alpaca can be made into colorful clothing, bedding and rugs that are much warmer and softer than those made from sheep's wool. These products sell for a high price at the market. And since alpacas have a long life span, a family can depend on this steady source of income for 20 years or more.

Chicks

Ten little chicks make a big difference! When they are just months old, these chicks begin laying eggs, which make nutritious meals for families who are hungry. The many extra eggs are often enough to allow a family to start a small business by selling them for additional income.