Rowland Heights third-graders read to feed struggling families around the globe
The goat lobby was out in force, while the chick supporters raised their voices during the great debate over which farm animals to buy for needy families at home and abroad.
The third-graders at Jellick Elementary School in Rowland Heights had definite opinions on how to spend the $475 they had raised for Heifer International, a nonprofit groups trying to end hunger and poverty in the world.
In the end, goats won the first round of voting. Several students made compelling arguments to “Go Goat” and spend $120 for one.
They said goats can live in tough climates by eating leaves, weeds and grass. In return, the animals provide up to a gallon of milk every day. Heifer International says that’s just the right amount if you don’t have a refrigerator.
The chicks proponents talked the class into buying five flocks of poultry for another $100. Each flock had 20 birds.
April Denolo, 9, and Christabella Alim, 8, said the chickens will provide eggs to eat and sell.
“Their droppings also fertilize the soil,” the girls said with a giggle.
Heifer International notes that a good hen can produce nearly 200 eggs a year. They provide valuable protein for poor children who live mostly on starches.
All the debate resulted from Michelle Willie’s class involvement in Heifer’s Read to Feed program. The third-grade teacher decided to ask her Jellick students if they wanted to help feed children around the globe. Click HERE for entire story!