Dear Craig,

For your Christmas gift this year, we purchased two shares of a goat. With any luck, these parts of goat will help a family in a 3rd world country make a better life for themselves and others in their community. After we read a story about a family who received a goat and was able to feed their family and produce some income, I knew what I needed to do for our Christmas service! Heifer International is an organization that provides livestock, clean water, educational opportunities, and various other benefits to families in 3rd world countries. They also provide the families with the education necessary to successfully put the gifts to good use. The families in return agree to pass along the things they learn and the gifts given when possible. According to Heifer International, "The gift of a dairy goat represents a lasting, meaningful way for you to help a little boy or girl on the other side of the world. Goats can thrive in extreme climates and on poor, dry land by eating grass and leaves. The gift of a dairy goat can supply a family with up to several quarts of nutritious milk a day - a ton of milk a year. Extra milk can be sold or used to make cheese, butter or yogurt. Families learn to use goat manure to fertilize gardens. Goats often have two or three kids a year making it easy for Heifer recipients to pass on the gift of a goat to another family in need. This great investment allows our partners to lift themselves out of poverty by starting small dairies that earn money for food, health care and education." Hopefully with this gift, a family can provide a better life for themselves and those in their community. Merry Christmas! Love, Anthony