Daisy The Pig Inspires Reading

By Laurie Borst

On Thursday, November 16, Farmer Minor and Daisy the Pig visited Middle Gate School to kick-off the school’s “Read to Feed” program.

Middle Gate students will be asking friends and family to sponsor them through their reading program. Sponsors pledge an amount for every book a child reads now through May. The funds raised by all students will be donated to Heifer International.

Minor Farm, in Bristol, is Daisy’s home, but she spends a great deal of time traveling the country encouraging young people to read through Farmer Minor’s presentation, “Pig Out on Reading.” Daisy has been to the 48 contiguous United States and Washington, D.C.

Daisy has been profiled in The New York Times, Time for Kids, and Weekly Reader, as well as many smaller publications.

Daisy has been given many books, most about (what else?) pigs. She has been presented with hundreds of library cards from schools and libraries all over the country. As part of the presentation, Daisy’s books, library cards and summer reading certificates are on display.

During the presentation, Farmer Minor will tell stories or have students read to Daisy, depending on the age group and size of the audience. To learn more about Farmer Minor and his delightful pig, visit DaisyMinor.com.

The chosen charity, Heifer International (heifer.org), provides livestock to farmers in developing countries. Cattle, sheep, llamas, water buffalos, goats, chicks, ducks, geese, rabbits, pigs and honeybees are available for donation.

Milk, eggs, honey and wool supplement family needs, and the family can sell the products for funds to buy other necessities. This program assists with families’ immediate needs and helps them attain self-sufficiency and reliance.

This is the first year that Middle Gate has used the reading program as a fundraiser. Gail Huitt, the school’s reading specialist, was pleased with Heifer International’s programs.

“They sent us a video which helped the students understand the needs of other children. It helps with geography and culture,” Mrs Huitt said. “And, I’d like to add that Chartwells [school foodservice] has donated $1,000 toward the project.”