Not only is caring for the poor something we all should do, it's something we all can do. Even those with no money to spend can share their time. If we all help, the problem can be solved - and much more efficiently than if we leave it all to some faceless government agency. Food and education for poor children is a worthy cause we all can get behind.
Public assistance is much in the news today. Some say we can't afford the programs we have, others say the poverty-stricken can't do without them. What is known is that many programs like 'no child left behind' and 'the war on poverty' cost billions of taxpayer dollars and achieve little.
Others feel that this is a responsibility that churches, civic groups, businesses, and even schools should assume for their local area. One very good argument for private help is that no bureaucrats, who deserve and get a salary, are needed for planning, gathering, or distribution. The money or goods donated go directly to the recipient when the work is done by dedicated volunteers.
For instance, churches often collect school supplies before a new year starts, so poorer kids can have what they need. A family can stock a new book bag with all the items on the list for that grade level, or people can bring in a pack of pencils or a notebook. Those who can't afford to give can help deliver the items to the school.
In many areas, department stores place boxes near the door for shoppers to fill with school supplies or packaged groceries, depending on the need. It's easy for most families to donate a box of crayons, a notebook, or a pack of pencils while they are doing their own 'back to school' shopping. People enjoy dropping a box of cake mix or a can of baked beans into the box on their way out of the store.
Some churches and other groups collect cereal and peanut butter to feed children during the summer months, when they can no longer get lunch at school. These popular foods are passed out monthly, letting families know that people care all year round. Schools, stores, and local banks often have canned food drives, where people can donate items for local food banks or other programs. This is a way for people to help others just a little at a time. When enough individual donations are put together, a lot of people can be helped.
There are lots of opportunities in the area of education besides giving school supplies. People can offer free tutoring to students of all levels. Local business professionals may speak at schools or teach at community colleges. Businesses can offer internships or summer programs to introduce high school kids to the world of law, finance, or retail.
You can research volunteer opportunities online, participate at church or at work, and help out with local food drives. You can help a poor family connect with services they need. You might want to sponsor a music or art program after school, or help a civic organization buy eyeglasses for a student. There are really as many opportunities to help as there are needs.
Public assistance is much in the news today. Some say we can't afford the programs we have, others say the poverty-stricken can't do without them. What is known is that many programs like 'no child left behind' and 'the war on poverty' cost billions of taxpayer dollars and achieve little.
Others feel that this is a responsibility that churches, civic groups, businesses, and even schools should assume for their local area. One very good argument for private help is that no bureaucrats, who deserve and get a salary, are needed for planning, gathering, or distribution. The money or goods donated go directly to the recipient when the work is done by dedicated volunteers.
For instance, churches often collect school supplies before a new year starts, so poorer kids can have what they need. A family can stock a new book bag with all the items on the list for that grade level, or people can bring in a pack of pencils or a notebook. Those who can't afford to give can help deliver the items to the school.
In many areas, department stores place boxes near the door for shoppers to fill with school supplies or packaged groceries, depending on the need. It's easy for most families to donate a box of crayons, a notebook, or a pack of pencils while they are doing their own 'back to school' shopping. People enjoy dropping a box of cake mix or a can of baked beans into the box on their way out of the store.
Some churches and other groups collect cereal and peanut butter to feed children during the summer months, when they can no longer get lunch at school. These popular foods are passed out monthly, letting families know that people care all year round. Schools, stores, and local banks often have canned food drives, where people can donate items for local food banks or other programs. This is a way for people to help others just a little at a time. When enough individual donations are put together, a lot of people can be helped.
There are lots of opportunities in the area of education besides giving school supplies. People can offer free tutoring to students of all levels. Local business professionals may speak at schools or teach at community colleges. Businesses can offer internships or summer programs to introduce high school kids to the world of law, finance, or retail.
You can research volunteer opportunities online, participate at church or at work, and help out with local food drives. You can help a poor family connect with services they need. You might want to sponsor a music or art program after school, or help a civic organization buy eyeglasses for a student. There are really as many opportunities to help as there are needs.
About the Author:
Learn how to support food and education for poor children by visiting our web pages now. For detailed information on our mission or to get involved, click the links at http://www.mumzyschildrenrelieffoundation.org today.
