Read to Feed Program
This month we will continue our participation in the "Read to Feed" Program. In part, the "Read to Feed" Program was developed to "promote literacy while giving children a way to set off a chain-reaction of positive change around the world" by providing a gift of a "living loan" (an animal) to needy families around the world. The families are given extensive training in animal care, community development and earth-friendly farm practices. The families health and standard of living improves by the many benefits their animal can provide---milk, eggs, wool, etc. Our children simply obtain sponsors who pledge to donate a certain amount of money per book read by the student. In March, we will collect all donations, choose which "living loan" we wish to provide a needy famliy with, and forward all donations/paperwork to the Heifer International headquarters. All participants will receive a "curriculum packet" complete with a video, hardback book and teacher's lesson plans which covers economics, civics, geography, and science. (use of this curriculum is optional) I know homeschooling families are very busy, but this requires NO EXTRA EFFORT on your part since the books your child is already reading qualifies for the program! So, why not turn your child's love for reading into a priceless gift for those less fortunate? Please contact me for more information or to sign up and receive the packet.
Ronald McDonald House Family Meal
We will be planning and preparing a meal for the Ronald McDonald House this month and need older students to participate by helping to plan and prepare a meal to serve to the families of chronically ill children. Some of these families spend many months at the center with their children and these meals help to stretch the families, sometimes already strained, budget---as well as provide them with a hot, "home-cooked" meal and conversation. Please contact me NO LATER than Jan. 17 so that we may begin planning the menu!!
Fundraising Opportunity
We are still in need of fundraising ideas to help raise funds for Marissa who needs a power-chair. Anyone interested in helping put together a "Homeschooler's Hearts & Hugs" cookbook by submitting recipes, helping to proofread submitted materials, do sales, etc. please contact me at TXHeartsandHugs@aol.com.
I have spoken to Eddie Coker, of Eddie Coker Productions, and he is interested in helping with the fundraiser by donating CD's/videos to be auctioned off and also by putting on a concert and donating a percentage of the CD/video sales from that day. His fee to put on a concert of this type is $1,000. We need sponsors (businesses, others) to help underwrite this fee so that the ticket proceeds may go into the fund for Marissa. If you, or someone you know, can help out in this area please contact TXHeartsandHugs@aol.com
If you have any other fundraising ideas, items to donate for a silent auction, or would like to help out in other ways, please email TXHeartsandHugs@aol.com
Coming Up...In February
We will be collecting items to donate to the Rowlett Animal Adoption Center. Items from their wish list include paper towels, bleach, Pine-Sol, flea spray, dry & canned dog/cat food, collars/leashes, pet carriers, old blankets/towels, etc. If you can donate any of these much needed items, please contact me at TXHeartsandHugs@aol.com!
We will also be holding a video and popcorn party for the children at Buckner Children's Home. Watch for more details coming up soon!