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.
Private versus public aid is a timely topic. There is a strong contingent that feels aid should come from the government. They vote for candidates who endorse policies like 'the war on poverty' or 'no child left behind'. Unfortunately, many such programs are costly and haven't proved very effective.
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 example, a church can partner with a local elementary school. The congregation brings in school supplies, or a family can agree to buy a backpack and fill it with everything a child will need to start a new grade. If caring people deliver these things to the school and meet both children and teachers, a relationship can be formed that may really change things.
Local businesses participate, too. There is often a box into which customers can toss packs of pens or pencils, notebooks, boxes of crayons, rulers, and other things children will need to do their schoolwork. Customers seem to participate readily, picking up a few extra items while doing their own 'back to school' shopping and putting them in the box.
Some churches form relationships with a particular school and even make sure that kids have food over the summer vacation. They collect boxes of cereal and jars of peanut butter and distribute them to registered families at the beginning of every month. The participants get to know each other, and both caregivers and recipients benefit. This is a great program, because no one has to give a lot but added together the gifts add up to more than enough.
As for education, there are almost as many opportunities to help. Run for your local school board and support cutting waste and promoting proven ways to improve schools. Volunteer to tutor a child whose parents can't afford to hire one. Speak to classes on why people need a good education or how to choose a career. Successful business professionals often teach at community colleges. Summer internships can introduce high school juniors and sophomores to the fields of law, business, finance, or civil service.
It's not hard to find a way to help directly or indirectly. Whether it's a civic group that buys eyeglasses for those who can't afford them, a business that sponsors a team or an after-school activity, or a church that 'adopts' a school, you can find a way to help. Go online to find out what is happening in your community, or just never pass by that box by the door that offers hope for the future.
Private versus public aid is a timely topic. There is a strong contingent that feels aid should come from the government. They vote for candidates who endorse policies like 'the war on poverty' or 'no child left behind'. Unfortunately, many such programs are costly and haven't proved very effective.
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 example, a church can partner with a local elementary school. The congregation brings in school supplies, or a family can agree to buy a backpack and fill it with everything a child will need to start a new grade. If caring people deliver these things to the school and meet both children and teachers, a relationship can be formed that may really change things.
Local businesses participate, too. There is often a box into which customers can toss packs of pens or pencils, notebooks, boxes of crayons, rulers, and other things children will need to do their schoolwork. Customers seem to participate readily, picking up a few extra items while doing their own 'back to school' shopping and putting them in the box.
Some churches form relationships with a particular school and even make sure that kids have food over the summer vacation. They collect boxes of cereal and jars of peanut butter and distribute them to registered families at the beginning of every month. The participants get to know each other, and both caregivers and recipients benefit. This is a great program, because no one has to give a lot but added together the gifts add up to more than enough.
As for education, there are almost as many opportunities to help. Run for your local school board and support cutting waste and promoting proven ways to improve schools. Volunteer to tutor a child whose parents can't afford to hire one. Speak to classes on why people need a good education or how to choose a career. Successful business professionals often teach at community colleges. Summer internships can introduce high school juniors and sophomores to the fields of law, business, finance, or civil service.
It's not hard to find a way to help directly or indirectly. Whether it's a civic group that buys eyeglasses for those who can't afford them, a business that sponsors a team or an after-school activity, or a church that 'adopts' a school, you can find a way to help. Go online to find out what is happening in your community, or just never pass by that box by the door that offers hope for the future.
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.
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