The kids vote on what sort of animals to buy. Instead of just giving money, the Heifer International Program gives people livestock and teaches them how to care for it.

I keep expecting the kids to get bored with it. But they never do. Every year they get really excited about it, and they read more than ever.

I think it?s great for these young kids to see the different types of animals. A lot of these kids have probably never seen animals other than cats and dogs.

I am amazed about the caring and the giving from the community. We're not getting $5 and $10 checks but $50, $100, $250. They are just opening up their wallets and that keeps the shelters open and provides food....It's wonderful to see the caring from individuals to help others they don't even know.

We offer so much here and work with all animals. People can go on tours of the vet school, large and small animal hospitals, and see what all we have to offer here.

I could be, you know, the person that shows little kids that giving up isn't something that you should do.