New Day Learning Academy is celebrating its 13th annual “Read to Feed” campaign and service-learning project. All proceeds will go to Heifer International, a nonprofit that provides farm animals to families in developing nations.

Students ages 3 to 9 participated, each sponsored by a donor. Every book or chapter read during the campaign month showed up as a paper egg in the students’ homemade feathery nests. Each egg represented a dollar donated by the sponsor.

“Read-alouds” counted, both in the classroom and at home. Preschooler Mercy “Mimi” Ryland’s parents shared her enthusiasm and read to her and her younger brother all month long to help her rack up the eggs. Other notable egg collectors included second-grader Easton Benedict, with a total of 177 eggs in his nest, and first-grader Holland Bare, with 104.

“Read to Feed gives our students the unique opportunity to experience making a difference in our world,” said teacher Maxine Peirson.

“They can see the money they have raised will have an impact,” Peirson added.

At the end of the month, the teachers gifted each student in their class a book of their own to honor how they gave of themselves for others.

Through Heifer International, $20 can purchase a flock of chicks or ducks, $120 provides a piglet, sheep, or goat, and a heifer can be bought for $500. Students and their sponsors brought in a grand total of $860, which was then multiplied by 10 thanks to a Heifer International donor pledge.

Peirson was thrilled at this news.

“Our little school got swept up to make a bigger splash!”