‘Some pig!’

LOUISVILLE — Just as E.B. White’s beloved spider in “Charlotte’s Web” works her web to save Wilbur the pig’s life, 12-year-old Nathaniel knows that he, too, has the power to change — and save — lives through the “humble” pig.

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Just in time for National Pig Day, March 1.

And every year when the national observance comes around, the Presbyterian Giving Catalog joins with thousands of others across the U.S. to celebrate the “humble” pig, which is widely regarded as among the most intelligent of animals.

But not just intelligent. Because piglets are also critically important towards creating a sustainable source of income for families in need all across the world, the Giving Catalog chooses to shine a spotlight on pigs in honor of the March 1 holiday.

For Nathaniel, a seventh grader who attends Morningside Presbyterian Church in Atlanta, it’s all about what a simple pig can do.

"Pigs can make a real difference in someone's lives,” he said, “so I hope a lot of people donate to make that difference."

Nathaniel, who has been raising funds for pigs since he was eight years old, is active in his church’s youth group and youth Sunday school.

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“We have a wonderful missions program at our church that offers ways for kids to engage in mission throughout the year,” said Nathaniel’s mother, Sarah Beth. “Just a few weeks ago, for example, the youth led the entire church service and raised funds to fight hunger with the Souper Bowl of Caring offering. It's wonderful to have mission as a foundational part of church for children and youth and see how that can spur them to undertake service work of their own.”

This year, Nathaniel’s fundraising goal is four pigs, which he hopes to meet through his extended family. He’ll also contribute from his own allowance.

“Pigs are awesome,” Nathaniel said. “You can sell them to make money and that seemed like it could be a big help.”

To join Nathaniel and others in honoring National Pig Day by making a $40 piglet gift through the Presbyterian Giving Catalog — and to receive a limited edition “Little Piggy Tote Bag” as a thank-you gift through March 1 — click here.

Now in its 12th year, the Presbyterian Giving Catalog is filled with a wide variety of gifts that provide real and positive impact around the world. For ease of use, the Giving Catalog is available both in print and online, in English, Spanish and Korean. The 2024-2025 Giving Catalog offers a total of 45 items — large, small and in between — to fit every congregation’s missional interests and every individual’s budget.