Millennium project helps others

Published 3:03 pm Thursday, October 2, 2008

It started out as a math project to celebrate the year 2000.

Students in Gena Meyer’s first-grade class at Opstad Elementary began by

reading for 2,000 seconds, (33 1/3 minutes) making a chain with 2,000 links

and collecting 2,000 pennies.

With the help of generous families, the penny collection grew

beyond the expected $20.00 The class collected $121.72. After much

discussion on what to do with the money, the class voted to purchase animals for

Third World families through the Heifer Project. This organization

provides training and livestock to families around the world. They have over

300 projects in over 40 countries. The nonprofit organization helps

hungry people feed themselves, earn income and care for the environment.

The class purchased two flocks of chicks for Cameroon, a trio of

rabbits for China and a share of a sheep for Bolivia. These gifts will

provide food and independence.

If you are interested in finding out more about this organization,

you can access it at www.heifer.com.