Heifer International: A Greener Gift Exchange

A gift to Heifer International is one that requires no wrapping paper and creates no waste

Last week, my kids started creating their Christmas lists.  Yes, its only October, but the commercials on the television would have you believe it was December 24th!

With the economy still struggling to stay afloat and people generally more conscious about consumption and waste, wouldn’t it be wonderful to consider a greener gift exchange?

Every year, my mother-in-law gives each of my children a gift from Heifer International.  At first, they didn’t understand why they should be excited about a sheep or a flock of ducks that was being delivered in their name to a needy family somewhere across the globe.  Now that they are getting older, they are actually quite proud of the fact that a relatively small contribution can make such a huge difference.

According to Heifer International:

Since 1944, Heifer International has worked to bring help, healing and hope to millions of impoverished families worldwide.  In its first 65 years, Heifer assisted more than 10.5 million families in more than 125 countries.  In areas where hunger and despair once prevailed, Heifer programs have reinvigorated communities through livestock, training and Passing on the Gift.

Our Heifer International gift catalog arrived yesterday.  In place of a wrapped present for my children, I too, will be selecting one of the following (tax-deductible) presents for each of them:

• gift of a goat ($120)
• trio of rabbits ($60)
• gift of honeybees ($30)
• tree seedlings ($60)

While a heifer, llama or water buffalo are generally out of our price range, we could purchase a “share” of any of these animals for $50 or less.  Sheep, pigs, chicks, ducks, donkeys and more, are all available for donation through Heifer International’s non-profit agency.

Donations to provide farm animals to needy families is truly a greener gift exchange

I am aware that some have criticized Heifer International’s practices.  Yet, a number of celebrities publicly support the organization, including President Bill Clinton, Susan Sarandon, Diane Lane, Patricia Heaton, Alton Brown, Joe Mantegna, Ted Danson and Mary Steenburgen.

Lest you have any quesitons, consider these fast facts:

• Last year, more than 191,000 families were helped by Heifer International with gifts of animals, training and Passing on the Gift
• Members of 280,000 families received special training that included sustainable farming techniques
• An additional 539,000 families were provided significant benefits directly.

Because HI is a U.S. 501(c)(3) organization, your donations are tax-deductible to the amount allowed by law.  And, it must meet stringent federal requirements to retain its non-profit status.  Not only will you give a gift that is sure to truly transform another family’s life, but your green gift will minimize waste.  Just think: no guilt about unnecessary consumerism, and no wasteful wrapping paper!

If you would like to give a farm animal to provide milk, eggs, protein, help with farm maintenance, honeymaking, wool, manure for composting, and/or animal offspring, you can go online right here, or call (800) 422-0755.

Do you work for a company that matches charitable contributions?  Perhaps your greener gift exchange could be doubly helpful for a family in need!