Accompanied by the winter season that affects Americans, child poverty is one of the main problems that arise in the United States in the face of returning to school. This plays a fundamental role in the deterioration of the ability of children to learn, develop skills, and succeed academically.
According to data from the Children’s Defense Fund, which works on behalf of poor children, 37 million or 11% of all Americans now live in poverty, struggling to meet their basic needs. That includes 11 million children who remain the poorest age group in the US.
Growing up in poverty has far-reaching effects on children, sometimes for life. The Children’s Defense Fund indicates that in the US, one in six children under the age of 5 is poor, equivalent to 3 million children, the highest rate of any age group.
It has been shown that donations are an effective way to help people in situations of poverty. Some non-profit organizations carry out important social work, providing support to those most in need and having a great impact on society.
One Warm Coat
The One Warm Coat organization recently carried out a coat collection program to ensure that boys and girls return to school prepared for the cold during the new academic year, in addition to fostering empathy and social commitment in children.
Through this project, parents will be able to donate the coats that their children no longer use or outgrow, which will help children and adults in need avoid the cold during the winter.
The campaign is about helping parents and schools contribute to this noble cause, which will not only serve those who receive the donation, but also allow parents to teach their children lessons in compassion and social responsibility.
The uptick in child poverty across North America has led organizations like One Warm Coat to promote awareness and volunteerism to meet people’s needs and give away warmth by collecting coats.
One Warm Coat has facilitated 49,000 coat drives across the country, since 1992, collecting 8 million coats that have been distributed through more than 1,500 non-profit partners.
According to Columbia University’s Center on Poverty and Social Policy, 3.7 million children were living in poverty in January 2022, an increase of 41% compared to December of the previous year.
The US Census Bureau’s Current Population Survey found that the monthly child poverty rate increased from 12.1% in December to 17% in January.
