Lombard 3rd-graders to 'work for chicken feed'

Lydia Ball's third-grade class at Wm. Hammerschmidt School in Lombard is demonstrating the Gift of Caring by raising money to donate funds to World Vision to buy some chickens and a goat.

To raise funds, each student asked their parents to “pay” them for doing household chores.

For example, Grace Dynako earns 25 cents each time she makes her bed, puts away her laundry, and walks the dog. When Grace completes a task, she fills in a space on her Chore Chart. The students are hoping to bring in between $8 to $10 each so they can send in the money needed to purchase animals and other items to help children and families in nearly 100 countries.

According to World Vision's website, goats nourish hungry children and families with healthy milk, cheese, and yogurt. Chickens provide fresh eggs that are rich in protein and nutrients, and extra eggs and chicks can be sold to pay for basics.

Chickens are equally easy to raise, and will naturally multiply to impact generations of children. Each family that receives chickens is asked to give back hatched chicks to help another family in need. Chicks require little money, space, or food to thrive and grow — making them an ideal business venture for a single mom or vulnerable family.

A dairy goat can give up to 16 cups of milk a day. Goat milk is easier to digest than cow's milk and is an excellent source of calcium, protein, and other essential nutrients that growing children need. Goats are practical animals — flourishing in harsh climates while producing valuable manure to fertilize crops and vegetable gardens.