With so many nonprofit organizations in need of your financial aid, it can be difficult to determine which ones are:
A) Actually helping communities and real people
B) Are using their funding ethically and efficiently
C) Are aligned with the things you’re passionate about helping with or people you’re passionate about helping provide for
To help you narrow down your search for the right nonprofit organization, here are some that we think are worth looking into more in the categories addressing hunger, and the need for clothes, educational resources, and beds.
Helping Children Who Are Hungry
According to Feed the Children, 16.8% of children in the United States live in poverty. In 2016, 12.3% of households were food insecure, but since the start of the pandemic that percentage has grown to be an estimated 22-38%. This means that roughly one-third of American households don’t have enough food to feed their families or to provide healthy food options.
Feed the Children has done an excellent job over the years of helping provide food to families that need it. They are currently one of the leading anti-hunger organizations.
No Kid Hungry is another incredible organization feeding children and families across the U.S. They work with local schools to provide healthy and nourishing school breakfasts, summer meals, and afterschool meals. They also provide free classes to parents who would like to provide healthier options for their children but don’t know where to start or how to shop. Additionally, they work with elected officials and government agencies to advocate for improved programs that children can rely on.
Providing Kids With Clothes
Hand-me-downs, garage sale finds, and thrift store clothes are all a regular part of the wardrobe of a child in poverty. Buying clothes that give them confidence, keep them warm enough, aren’t worn out, or fit them correctly is typically not an option for them. Additionally, many of them can’t afford toiletries that they are in desperate need of. But you can help change that! Here are two great nonprofit organizations that we recommend looking into:
- Catie’s Closet: They provide children with clothing and toiletries.
- Soles4Souls: They provide new and gently used shoes to children that need them.
Providing Children With School Supplies
Part of getting a good education is in the supplies that are available to you, and children are known to succeed in their education if they are hopeful, cared for, and have the resources they need. This is why you see so many incredible educators donating their own time and money to create environments in which children can thrive! Quality education opens doors of opportunity for children, consistent attendance improves their graduation rates, and protecting their dignity goes a long way in their development as human beings who will contribute greatly to their communities.
Two nonprofit organizations we recommend that operate in the realm of education are:
- Kids in Need Foundation: They donate products and supplies to teachers and students who need them.
- Children International: Provide resources, tutoring programs, and more to children of all ages.
Providing Beds to Kids
There is a national bed crisis in the United States. Many American children in poverty are sleeping on the floor in sleeping bags, threadbare blankets, and even towels, because their families can’t afford beds or bedding. The side effects of this can be detrimental and may lead to:
- Struggles in school
- Weaker immune systems
- Decreased focus
- Emotional problems
- Increased levels of depression and anxiety
- Fewer or weaker relationships
A proper bed and bedding is a basic need for proper physical, emotional, and mental stability in children. At Sleep in Heavenly Peace, our sole purpose is to get kids off of floors and into beds of their own to provide a sense of dignity, comfort, and peace.
There are a few great ways you can get involved, from donating financially or of your time to starting a new chapter in your city. Learn more about how you can help get kids of floors in our country and your city.