I posted a little note recently about a program I came across the other day called "Read to Feed". Anyway, I received my packet today and it is fabulous. I got a video for the kids to watch that explains the program to the kids. It came with a HUGE teacher's manual geared toward 3-4 graders with tons of lessons/activities that go along with a unit if you so choose. Plus, it came with a great paperback book (FREE) called "Beatrice's Goat". The story is based on a real family that received aid from this program. It actually brought me to tears when I first read it. If you read the post before and passed on the idea you may want to take another look at their site. It is a very neat way of helping the less fortunate and give your child a good reason to read. My dd likes to read but doesn't do it as much as I wish. So, I explained the program to her, read her this book and she was overly excited and motivated to read. She is reading books like crazy as I type this. I'm so excited about this.
Just wondering I took a look at the site. I am always leary of 'free' items. So, you don't have to pay for this packet? Will they keep sending you items to purchase? Nellie
Oh no, there are no items to purchase... It's a packet for a teacher or group leader. The kids get sponsers as they would for other school type fundraisers, but in this case all money goes to the Heifer Project. Hillary Clinton endorsed it in the back of the book that I was talking about. There is a "store" that you can buy things from I believe on their website that all monies earned also go to the project. That is just another way for them to raise money. HOWEVER, the entire packet was free, including the book and lessons. I wouldn't do it either if I had to pay something for the fundraiser packet. I think it's very legit.
I did it too! Missy, I had read your post last week (or whenever that was). I went to the website and ordered the starter kit also. I received my stuff yesterday and was also very impressed with it. I told my family about it at supper time and I think we're going to try to do this as a summer reading project. It's so easy to get caught up in all the "fun" of summer. I thought this might be a good way to get the important stuff (reading) in and also make money to help people in other countries. Because we have a daughter adopted from Vietnam, this is a cause very near and dear to my heart. Thanks so much for sharing the information. Heidi
Thanks for this information! I have often heard about Heifer Int'l and wanted to get involved. I'm glad that the whole family can use this method to contribute to this wonderfully practical charity. I am planning on presenting this to my local homeschooling group as well.
What do you mean Michelle? Do you mean make an outright donation or do the program and make a donation with your child's Read to Feed kit? We did this program and are now finished. I sponsered both of my kids and will end up making about a forty dollar or so donation. My family and dh's business also made donations based on how many books dd/ds read. Then, the kids got to pick which animal(s) they wanted the money to be spent on for the needy families. It's great! I'm very proud of our donation amount!!! Missy
Re: Just wondering Nellie, I got the same pagkage in the mail a couple months ago when I found the website. The package that came to me in the mail is free. The choice is yours if you wish to 'sponsor' the reading program. There are two benefits to it: 1) You're encouraging your child to read - it's a story about a real family with real struggles (age appropriate too) 2) If you choose to 'sponsor' a family, you're helping to provide the basic necessities of life that we often take for granted. Something that we as American's and Canadian's have easier access to that they don't. I really think it is an awesome program with very valuable lessons in it. If you have the chance to check it out, go for it - I don't think you'll regret it. Brenda
Hi Missy, I guess I could have included more info in my post! Yes I did mean a donation but I should have added that we separated the reading from the donation. My kids have always read for pleasure and never any type of reward...even if the reward does not go to them. We made two choices ourselves and had some family members agree to match our choices. Michelle
To answer the "will we be donating" question..... I just sent for my packet. I have had Heifer Int'l on my mind for quite some time and I am planning on looking into how we, as a family or individuals, can contribute "in the field" possibly. I haven't looked into it yet, but I have many skills to offer such an organization. We are rarely able to contribute financially to such things, but we are active in volunteering to do the work. We have also talked about missions trips and I can't wait to see what this organization has in the way of people jumping in to help!
you could do alot Brooke. Your kids could canvas your neighbourhood or local businesses for donations to purchase animals etc. for the cause. Michelle
When I was in grade school, I remember our church often used Heifer Project as our mission project during Bible School... every day, kids brought in offering and it went towards the purchase of animals... we always got excited when we passed the amount needed for a cow and the resto f the nimals kept appearing on our bulletin board... on Friday, if we'd earned a cow (which we ALWAYS did!), they brought a calf to come visit and everyone could pet her if we wanted... since none of us were on farms, they were quite a treat.
I'm a veterinary technician by trade, and a farm girl by birth so this whole thing is what I seem to have been prepared for my entire life! I used to wonder how my odd list of skills would benefit people. I checked into their missions trips and I am so excited!...I think I'll try to go next year. There are also quite a few projects in my state that I can get involved in. I don't mind promotional stuff locally, but I'd rather be "in the field" literally.
We got our package and after looking at the catalog my kids fell in love with many of the animals. I told them if they wanted to help with many birthdays coming up and nobody "needing" anything they could ask that friends and family help with donations to the animal of their choice. My daughter, the biggest animal lover in the world is already thinking of names to name her new pet!
