Alexis, World Traveler

Alexis has been working very hard the last five weeks to accomplish her goal of reading 20 books for Heifer International's Read To Feed Program. As of yesterday, we are declaring Mission Accomplished! Through sponsors, Alexis has raised $65.00. Woot woot! This money will be used to purchase gifts of livestock for families living in extreme poverty. The livestock will give families a source of income and a source of food. The best part is...this gift is one that keeps on giving! Each family that benefits from Heifer International promises to "pass on the gift" by giving a female offspring to a neighbor in need. This program truly uplifts communities, and Alexis is very proud to be supporting such a great cause!

Another book down for Read To Feed, watch as Alexis entertains you with her dramatic reading of Knuffle Bunny Free by Mo Willems. Unfortunately, the camera died before the ending.

Alexis has officially began reading for Read To Feed. Her goal is to raise $100 to give a gift of livestock to a family in extreme poverty. The money will be donated to Heifer International an organization that has been around for 65 years giving those in need a hand up not a hand out. Along with the gift of livestock the family receiving this gift will also get the training needed to raise the livestock.

A gift of one flock of chickens will provide a family in need with a sustainable living. Chickens produce eggs, a good source of protein. The eggs can be used for food and they can also be taken to the market and sold, giving a family a source of income. The chicken manure can be used to create a fertile compost to add to a garden therefore yielding more produce. Adding a rooster to the flock will allow the flock to grow and empower the family to "pass on the gift." Each participant who receives a gift of livestock from Heifer also agrees to give away an offspring to a neighbor, this is what Heifer International calls "passing on the gift". Passing on the gift produces a continuing chain of giving and has the power to lift an entire village out of poverty!

Below you will find a donation button if you would like to contribute to this wonderful cause. Our average donation is $5.00/person. That is equivalent to 25¢/book and Alexis pledges to read 20 books by December 6, 2011.

Throughout life we wish for Alexis to practice both philanthropy and charity. Philanthropy is distinctly different from charity. Charity usually concentrates on short-term relief, while philanthropy focuses on long term solutions.