Taufik, a 14-year old boy from Central Java, Indonesia has very little. His parents are street sweepers and he shares a one-bedroom house with them. They bring home little to no money, and it is difficult to afford basic needs like food, clothing, and shelter. But there is hope.

A load of livestock was donated earlier this year. ChildFund‘s Gifts of Love & Hope catalog was delivered to the community. Taufik and his family were given a cow. Sri Rahayu, Taufik’s mother, says, “We are grateful for the cow that we received, as well as the training to breed her,” “I have many plans for the future.”

Taufik and his family are very excited about the gift of a cow. It will provide them with food security as well as an opportunity to sell surplus milk. Sri Rahayu took basic economics classes with ChildFund. He is now planning to make extra income. She says, “Perhaps a small restaurant — anything that will allow us to make more money for our family.”

Taufik and his mom are also learning how to properly take care of the cow with the help ChildFund community volunteers. It is simple and affordable to feed the cow in their local community because grass is abundant. Taufik’s latest after-school chore involves ensuring that his friend has pasture. He says, “I love my cow.” “I can play with her, but my favorite part of feeding her grass is the feeding.”

Taufik’s family was among the 120 households in Central Java to receive cows, ducks and chickens through ChildFund’s Gift of Love & Hope catalog.

ChildFund solicits the assistance of community leaders around the globe every year to determine their greatest needs. Local ChildFund staff assist in the process, compiling a list of tangible goods that will be most beneficial to children and their families. From farm animals to medical supplies, the Gifts of Love & Hope catalog is filled with items that improve the lives of children and their families. These items can be purchased locally and then delivered by ChildFund staff directly to Taufik.

Children and families in poverty are able to receive hope thanks to the kindness of thousands of catalog donors.