Bunnies, Bibles and Birthday Cake - Post from 2012

Bunnies, Bibles and Birthday Cake (written for Hinkletown Mennonite School Handprints)

                When Fourth Grader Corina S. planned her 10^th birthday party in February, she rose to a challenge put before her.    Instead of receiving gifts from the girls in attendance, she could choose a giving project instead.  After studying the World Vision gift catalog, she decided to help a poor family by buying them a bunny for food.  Invitations went out to all the girls in her class. 

When classmates Bailey and Victoria  learned about the giving project, they creatively came up with ways to generously give.  Bailey began diligently saving her allowance.  Victoria earned extra money by cleaning out the garage for her dad.

The “Bunny Fund” collection began as each of the Fourth Grade girls arrived for the party.  The excitement level grew as the dollar amount rose!  By the end of the evening, after pizza, charades and Birthday cake, the girls counted $116.00!  The excitement level was high!  Not only was Corina able to buy 5 bunnies, but she had enough for 2 Bibles as well! 

As it turns out, Corina was not the only 4^th grade student who chose to give instead of receive this year.  In fact, Silas has been doing this since he was 4 years old! His mom Sherry says, “We want our children to grow up realizing they have more than they need and that other children in the world do not have anything.  We want them to grow up sharing with others and thinking of others first.” 

For Silas’ 10^th birthday, he raised money to purchase soccer balls for children through World Vision.  When asked if he misses getting gifts for himself, he nonchalantly shrugged his shoulders and with a smile imagined the surprised expression of the kids if “all of a sudden a soccer ball appears on their doorstep.”

Think 5 soccer balls or 5 bunnies is not a big deal?  World Vision thinks it is!   “The five rabbits given in your name will provide a deserving family with a sustainable source of food and income.  With their short gestation period, one pair of rabbits can become 50 rabbits in just one year, giving a family the hope of a brighter future!”  Don’t underestimate a simple gift!