The First Lutheran Church Levite Club (fifth and sixth graders) raised a total of $1,254.94 for the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) World Hunger fundraiser, “God’s Global Barnyard.”

The children have been saving coins in a small, cardboard “barnyard” container since September to purchase a cow for a family in a third world country. A cow costs $500. The kids surpassed their goal, raising $742 in coins, another $355 in cash, and $155 in checks to total $1,254.94.

Animals purchased through “God’s Global Barnyard” provide families living in poverty with food, funds, and fertilizer, all for a better future.

One example is the cow. The cow provides milk, meat, calves, and fertilizer. Giving a cow helps a family financially and may help them escape hunger for good.

Ducks lay hundreds of eggs each year and can provide eggs and ducklings to sell at market for an extra source of income. Pigs, goats, sheep, and fish farms all play a part in the fight against hunger.

Once the kids have saved enough money, they can request what kind of animal, or animals, is purchased to help a family. Through this, kids learn serving with compassion for those less fortunate than themselves.