It Started With A Cow

It started with a cow.

Giving is a force of nature at year’s end. The urge is strong to dig into the pocket or pocketbook for a handout or even step into McDonald’s to pay for a hamburger.  Not saying this is a bad thing, but it is giving a fish instead of a fishing pole.  It’s a temporary fix and, in some cases, may even be empowering poverty when that dollar(s) for [name your heart-rending need] actually goes for drugs or alcohol or keeps someone surviving on the street instead of seeking help.

What’s a person to do?

First, research your local agencies.  Your community needs you, but make sure the agency that “gives a holiday meal” also does more significant intervention, or you will be perpetuating the fish/fishing pole conundrum.  You can also participate in supporting an incredible organization like Heifer.  It started with a cow.  A man recognized that people needed a “cow, not a cup.”  The organization not only gives livestock to those in need, but teaches them skills and “empowers them to turn hunger and poverty into hope and prosperity…   [By] linking them with markets in their area, they help bring sustainable agriculture and commerce to areas with a long history of poverty.”

The organization has been endorsed by Fast Company and Forbes, among other places.

I’m in!  Between now and December 24^th (midnight CST) I will give $2 to Heifer for every comment posted here.  You can leverage your words by visiting and commenting at Nathan Bradford and checking out the links to other participating blogs there.

Happy Giving!

Post Script:  Thank you everyone who posted a comment.  I sent Heifer a check for $50–that’s a calf to a needy family!

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