To the Editor:

Did you know that 44.1 percent of children are living in poor or low-income homes in Jackson County? 

When children are living in poverty, it can affect their success in school. Research has shown that living in poverty can affect children academically, behaviorally, physically, cognitively and emotionally. This can be caused by children not getting the proper nutrition they need or from not having the same parental support at home because of parents working all the time.

Programs should be implemented to help children in poverty so that they can be successful in school. I have been in schools that have programs such as sponsorships where adults will give money to the school so that they can buy supplies for the children. There are also programs where you can donate time to go and be a mentor for a child, be someone they can talk to, such as Big Brothers Big Sisters. This is one of many programs. Sometimes having someone to talk to and make connections with makes a big impact on a child’s life. 

When children are living in poverty, studies have seen that they often get less time to spend with their parents after school and work, so they are missing this connection. So, what are you doing to help children in need, whether it be donating money, time, or being an advocate for these children? There is always something that you can do. 

Lindsey Cloer

Cullowhee

Elementary Education student