Is Santa Kidding Himself?

Ho! Ho! Ho! Everyone,

Am I kidding myself that I can make a difference? Possibly. However I will never admit that to myself. Santa is all about giving.

Who are America's Poor Children?
From the National Center for Children in Poverty

Nearly 13 million American children live in families with incomes below the federal poverty level, which is $20,000 a year for a family of four. The number of children living in poverty increased by more than 11 percent between 2000 and 2005. There are 1.3 million more children living in poverty today than in 2000, despite indications of economic recovery and growth.

Research consistently shows that, on average, families need an income of about twice the federal poverty level to make ends meet. Children living in families with incomes below this level—for 2006, $40,000 for a family of four—are referred to as low income. Thirty-nine percent of the nation’s children—more than 28 million in 2005—live in low-income families. In addition, eligibility for many public benefits is based on the official poverty measure.

How many children in America are officially poor?

Rates of official child poverty vary tremendously across the states.* Nationwide, 18% of children live in families that are officially considered poor (13 million children).

What are some of the characteristics of officially poor children in America?

Poverty is especially prevalent among black, Latino, and American Indian children. 35% of black children live in poor families. In the 10 most populated states, rates of child poverty among black children range from 20% in New Jersey to 43% in Ohio. 28% of Latino children live in poor families. In the 10 most populated states, rates of child poverty among Latino children range from 20% in New Jersey, Florida, and Illinois to 35% in Texas.* 29% of American Indian and 11% of Asian children live in poor families (comparable state comparisons are not possible due to small sample sizes).* 10% of white children live in poor families. In the 10 most populated states, rates of child poverty among white children range from 4% in New Jersey to 12% in Georgia.Having immigrant parents increases a child’s chances of being poor.* 26% of children of immigrants are poor; 16% of children of native-born parents are poor. (Children living with one immigrant parent and one native-born parent are not included.)* In the six states with the largest populations of immigrants—California, Florida, Illinois, New Jersey, New York, and Texas—the poverty rate among children of immigrant parents ranges from 14% to 40%.* In all six states, children living with immigrant parents are more likely to be poor than children of native-born parents. Official poverty rates are highest for young children.* 20% of children under age 6—1 in 5—live in poor families; 16% of children age 6 or older live in poor families.* In half the states, more than 20% of children under age 6 are growing up in poverty, whereas only 13 states have a child poverty rate (that is, for children up to age 18) that is as high.

These figures are reproduced (with permission) and are only used to highlight the fact that even in an affluent society the poor live among us. It is not intention to belittle any authorities in any way or to pass judgement. The poor are among us and that is a fact no matter what country we live in. It is a worldwide epidemic that must be stopped.

How can we ignore the plight of these children? I know I can't.

As always,

Santa