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Tuesday, December 1, 2015

#GivingTuesday Helps Us Raise Giving Children


How do you raise compassionate, generous children with a strong sense of social responsibility?

This is a question I think about often. I want my kids to:
  • realize they are blessed
  • understand that there are many who are less fortunate
  • be generous with their time, love, and money
  • recognize those who struggle and suffer
  • feel compassion
  • be willing to make a difference
My husband and I work hard to help them see the needs of others and to think about ways to improve lives. This means we have to be sure and look for and create opportunities to teach our kids.

For #GivingTuesday and this holiday season, we're happy to make a difference in the lives of others through our support of Heifer International. They empower families to turn hunger and poverty into hope and prosperity by helping communities and delivering sustainable agriculture and commerce to areas with a long history of poverty. It all starts with the gift of a sheep or a goat or a flock of geese. The animals that are gifted provide communities with food and reliable income, as agricultural products such as milk, eggs and honey can be traded or sold at market. When many families gain a new sustainable income brings new opportunities for building schools, creating agricultural cooperatives, forming community savings and funding small businesses.

Heifer has been in Peru since 1963, where they've worked with women artistans. The women receive veterinary medicine kits, greenhouses, cookstoves, vegetable seeds, marketing support, and training in business management and Heifer's 12 Cornerstones.

This beautiful alpaca scarf I'm wearing is hand-crafted by the artisans of Tres Alpaquitas in Marcapata, Peru. Not only is it something special for me, but by wearing it, I also support @heiferinternational and these women who are supporting their families.

I have another scarf exactly like it and like many of the families who are aided by Heifer Internat'l, I'm going to pass it on. Passing on the Gift® is the hallmark of Heifer's approach. They began by requiring each family who received an animal gift pass on their first female offspring to another family in need. Thus, by helping one, they help an entire community by encouraging the spreading of skills and wealth.

Join My Family in Making a Difference!


I also want to invite you to join me in gifting one share of a knitter's basket, which includes a llama, an alpaca, a sheep and an Angora rabbit. In addition, the family that receives the knitter's basket is instructed on how to properly feed and care for the animals.

My daughter has recently learned how to crochet. She loves creating scarves, dish cloths, and other handmade items to sell or gift to others. So the knitter's basket was an ideal choice for our family. Especially because it provides nourishment, warmth, and income for the recipient families.

We've purchased one share for $48. If nine other shares are purchased, then a full knitter's basket will be gifted to a family in need. Won't you consider helping us to make this possible?

To join us, or to learn other ways you can help others this holiday season, click here to visit Heifer International. There are many, many other ways to give; you can help others for as little as $10!!

Wishing you all a loving and giving holiday,

Monica