In one of our previously written articles (linked here), we had discussed the problems and hardships that underprivileged youths face as well as why we should support the underprivileged youths in our community and around the world, illustrating that, as minors, children don’t have as much opportunities available to them to allow themselves to pick themselves back up financially; it is our duty as members of society to help them in any way we’re able to. However, now that brings up the question: How can we support them?
One of the most rewarding things you can do is volunteering your time and work with the children one on one, such as through childcare services and academic assistance. Volunteer childcare programs allow neglected children to experience one on one interactions with a caretaker that they may not be able to receive in a foster home housing multiple children. Other forms of childcare, such as babysitting, is also something that can be implemented for children with parents too busy to care for them during the day. Tutoring services can also provide academic support to children in need of aid when it comes to school and education and allow a child to receive an advantage when it comes to their education as they grow up into adults. Illiteracy is a big problem among children living in impoverished communities and households.
Another way to support children is to donate funds; many charities and nonprofit organizations around the world collect donations to purchase supplies for children in need. These funds are used primarily for food and medical expenses; with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the amount of children facing hunger in the United States rose from ten million to twelve million in that time period alone. While medical expenses are generally already very high for everyone (in the United States especially), families with children who have special needs or disabilities face even higher expenses, and families of low-income often have an extremely hard time paying off their debts. Making donations to different organizations can allow families to receive the funds they need to pay for specialized medical care for their children.
Additionally, you can also donate material items to underprivileged children and families. Items such as clothing (warm clothing such as coats, pants, hats, and socks), school supplies, and books are especially in high demand, with the last two being of extreme importance for the development and growth of a child’s education. When it comes to donating material items, you can donate these to not only nonprofit organizations and charities, but other places such as churches, schools, and daycares often accept these donations as well.
Donating to children in need greatly enhances our society, not just the lives of the children who you are donating to. As children are the future of our world, it is imperative that we ensure they receive the best possible upbringing and childhood that they can to help shape the types of people they grow up into.
Bibliography
Child Fund. Let's Talk About Privilege - and How We Can Help Underprivileged Children, Child Fund, https://www.childfund.org/underprivileged-children/. Accessed 24 May 2023.
Perry, Mackenzie. How We Can Help Underprivileged Children in the US, Bears for Humanity, 24 December 2021, https://www.bearsforhumanity.com/blogs/bear-blog/how-we-can-help-underprivileged-children-in-the-us. Accessed 24 May 2023.
Ponio, Judy. Underprivileged Children: What Can We Do For Them?, Our Father's House Soup Kitchen, 26 July 2021, https://ofhsoupkitchen.org/underprivileged-children. Accessed 24 May 2023.
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