Trinity Social Ministries — Heifer International

"Ending Hunger, Caring for the Earth"

Heifer International works to end the cycle of poverty and promote agricultural sustainability by domestic animal distribution programs in 115 countries. The program distributes animals from bees to water buffalo, and each family receiving animals agrees to "pass on the gift" and donate the offspring to another family, so that the gift of food is never-ending.

When Trinity selected Heifer International as a global outreach partner, Trinity Social Ministries matched, dollar for dollar, parishioners' donations for a pair of breeding rabbits, a swarm of bees, sheep, or, of course, a heifer. Progress was tracked on an "Ark" exhibit, linked to the Sunday School curriculum. Our final contribution last year was $10,960! We use the "Ark" metaphor throughout the year to teach our children about caring for animals and others less fortunate.

Snapshot: "June LaBarre and I set up the Heifer Project bulletin board in Trinity Hall using Max Sims' wonderful cardboard ark. We had a great time brainstorming about how to display a project we didn't know much about. Recently my family took part in a Trinity visit to the local (Modesto) headquarters for the Heifer Project. I learned a lot about poverty in the world, and how the simple donation of an animal to a poor community can make all the difference in a child's life.

Imagine, one animal providing milk to sell allows a child to go to school when he/she otherwise could not. It's amazing! I liked learning about the "Global Village" at Heifer where older kids can stay, tending the crops, and learning what it is like to survive as a destitute person in a poor country. It really helped my daughter Rosemary understand how very lucky she is to have access to a wonderful school, church, and other activities!" --Laurie Reynolds