Helping the poor is something everyone should do. Children deserve compassionate aid from the community around them. Fortunately, many people enjoy helping. It's best when private individuals or groups help, since aid is not diluted by passing through a government agency. The personal touch is also valuable; relationships can be formed that may last long after a child no longer needs food and education for poor children.
Some truly believe that the government should take care of these needs. However, anyone seeing how much money goes into administration and how little real good is achieved for massive expenditure will realize there is a better way. Policies like 'no child left behind' or 'the war on poverty' have cost billions and improved things little if at all.
In contrast, many efforts by churches, civic organizations, businesses, and even public schools do make a difference. These are direct programs, often run by volunteers who require no salary, benefits, or oversight. Donors of goods and services know that what they give gets to the recipients, rather than being wasted on administrative costs.
Churches often collect school supplies in late summer and give, for example, a loaded book bag to children who qualify for this aid. Congregations can form a relationship with one school, and those who pass out the book bags will get to know the children they are helping, as well as teachers and school officials.
Think how many boxes you've seen near the doors of department stores. Customers are encouraged to buy an extra item or two while they are doing their 'back to school' shopping, so the store can pass them along to those who will distribute them. These drives are very effective, because many people are happy to give an item that costs a dollar or two.
If a church or civic group 'adopts' a school, they can help even when school is out. One program collects boxes of cereal and jars of peanut butter to give out the first of each of the summer months, so children that may depend on a free school lunch won't go hungry over the vacation. Schools, stores, banks, scout troops, and churches have food drives, when they collect canned goods for local food banks or homeless shelters. Even if people can only give one item, enough donations added together can make the difference.
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.
Some truly believe that the government should take care of these needs. However, anyone seeing how much money goes into administration and how little real good is achieved for massive expenditure will realize there is a better way. Policies like 'no child left behind' or 'the war on poverty' have cost billions and improved things little if at all.
In contrast, many efforts by churches, civic organizations, businesses, and even public schools do make a difference. These are direct programs, often run by volunteers who require no salary, benefits, or oversight. Donors of goods and services know that what they give gets to the recipients, rather than being wasted on administrative costs.
Churches often collect school supplies in late summer and give, for example, a loaded book bag to children who qualify for this aid. Congregations can form a relationship with one school, and those who pass out the book bags will get to know the children they are helping, as well as teachers and school officials.
Think how many boxes you've seen near the doors of department stores. Customers are encouraged to buy an extra item or two while they are doing their 'back to school' shopping, so the store can pass them along to those who will distribute them. These drives are very effective, because many people are happy to give an item that costs a dollar or two.
If a church or civic group 'adopts' a school, they can help even when school is out. One program collects boxes of cereal and jars of peanut butter to give out the first of each of the summer months, so children that may depend on a free school lunch won't go hungry over the vacation. Schools, stores, banks, scout troops, and churches have food drives, when they collect canned goods for local food banks or homeless shelters. Even if people can only give one item, enough donations added together can make the difference.
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.
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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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