Did you know that in our country today, more children are born into poverty everyday than ever before? In fact, the majority of those who live in poverty in the United States are children. Most of us believe that three meals a day and a roof over our heads are a necessity. Unfortunately, many children know that a home and food are luxuries.

“In a world characterized by growing prosperity for some and pervasive poverty for others, Catholic teaching proclaims that a basic moral test is how our most vulnerable members are faring. In a society marred by deepening divisions between rich and poor, our tradition recalls the story of the Last Judgment (Mt. 25:31-46) and instructs us to put the needs of the poor and vulnerable first.” (Sharing Catholic Social Teaching, #5)

As the school year begins, family budgets may be stretched to the limit. But this year, before you begin the annual ritual of getting ready for school, take time to remember children who have much, much less.

“Whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.” Matthew 25:40b

• As school begins, many families cannot afford basic school supplies for their children. You can organize a school supply collection. Encourage the children to purchase some extra items to donate to children in need when they do their own school supply shopping. To be sure that the supplies get to children who can use them, you can bring the supplies to your school office, your parish office, a low-income school, a parish in your area, a family shelter, or a food shelf.

• As school begins, many families cannot afford clothing and shoes for their children. You can organize a clothing drive. Invite the children to go through their dressers and closets to find all the clothes that no longer fit. You can bring the donations to a church, a school, a family shelter, a food shelf, or a free clothing store.