Our oldest son, Justin, is a senior this year in high school. His plans include majoring in pre-pharmacy, obtaining his degree in pharmacy and possibly continuing on to med school to become a heart surgeon.

Justin has always had a soft spot for helping others, and as a way of getting involved in his community, he has been looking for volunteer opportunities that would help make a difference in the world around us. After careful consideration, Justin picked an Arkansas-based organization that is known world-wide for its work in helping impoverished nations and communities through their efforts to help not only feed the poor but to help them find a solution to their economic situation, and become self-sufficient. That organization is Heifer Project International.

Justin set a goal for his team of $2,000. His original personal goal was $500, but he exceeded that amount in just a few days. He has since changed his own personal goal to $1,000 and is looking for help in meeting his overall goal. He needs team members who will help by asking their family and friends to donate to the team and with everyone working together, he can meet his goal before he enters college in the Fall of 2008.

Everyone can make a difference, and a donation of only $20 will buy a flock of chickens as well as educate a family in how to raise the chickens, use their litter to fertilize crops and provide eggs for protein for the family. In addition, in a short six months from the time they're hatched, these same chickens can produce enough eggs to not only feed this family but to give them additional eggs to sell, raising money for school, clothing, medical supplies and other essentials. Through Heifer Project, the family is also taught the value of giving to others, and as small chicks are hatched, the family will learn the joy of giving by sharing with their neighbors and community the gift of these baby chickens, which are a direct result of your donation. So you're not giving once - you're giving over and over through one small donation!

You can buy a flock of chicks, ducks, geese, honeybees (used to help farmers with pollination and to provide sweet honey for food), goats and cows to provide gallons of milk used for drinking, to make cheese and other food products. As you can see, this is a worthwhile project.

In addition, Justin said he'd like everyone to know that Heifer Project even does work here in the United States and Canada, to help communities and families that need assistance.

If you'd like to help Justin's team, please click the link below. Your donation is tax deductible - Heifer Project will mail you a receipt for your taxes. May God bless you and keep you, and thanks for taking the time to read about Justin's project!