By Taylor Clewell
Picture this. The wind is howling. Icy cold air gusts and swirls in every direction. On some days, fluffy yet frigid snowflakes drift down from above. On others, shards of ice seem to fall from the sky. There is no respite from these harsh conditions, no warm bed or cozy hearth to return home to. This is the life of an average homeless person during the winter months.
But not all hope is lost. Many nonprofit organizations such as that of Ellis Care COmmunity Center have made it their mission to reach out to those in need. The center’s goal is to er
adicate the effects of poverty by providing aid in the terms of emergency assistance, outreach, and more. Carrie Ellis provides a few ideas about what students can do to help the cause.
- Convince your school to sponsor a canned food drive to donate to a homeless shelter or outreach center.
- Gather your friends and organize a clothing drive to donate to someone in need. Ellis said that many shelters and outreach programs are in need of children’s clothing donations.
- Volunteer your time! According to Ellis, the best way for students to go about this task is to get involved with the youth in schools that are at risk- meaning schools that are mostly made up of families at or below the poverty line.
United Way, a nonprofit organization, said that over 15,000 homeless have been reported in the greater Kansas City area. Countless more go unrep
orted. There are many things students can do to assist these people during the winter months. Remember: anyone- young or old, big or small- can make a difference with a few good ideas and a dash of compassion.
