Anonymous Gift Teaches Students About Philanthropy

An anonymous envelope stuffed with five $100 bills was left just after Thanksgiving at the office of a Santa Clarita, Calif., elementary school, reports The Signal, a Santa Clarita, Calif., newspaper.

The intent of the giver was clear: The money was to be divided equally among each of the fourth-grade classrooms, which would then apply it to a good cause—but not to the school.

One class decided to raise money to match the donation to maximize the effect of the cash. In less than a month, the students have nearly tripled the original donation.

The class chose to aid those suffering from hunger and poverty in other countries, either through Heifer International—an organization that gives livestock to poor families—or the Hunger Defense Fund, which helps feed needy children throughout the world.