Too many babies are born into a life of poverty, malnutrition, and illiteracy, then pass those conditions on to their children as their only possible legacy. We must do what we can to stop the cycle. Of course, we can donate to organizations that fight poverty, feed the hungry, and educate children. But we can also volunteer as baby-rockers in at-risk hospital nurseries; aides in limited-English-speaking classes; tutors for underachieving students or those locked away in Juvenile Hall. We can visit a museum, art gallery, zoo, tech museum, etc., taking with us a child of parents struggling to find jobs or working several jobs to meet the bills. We can invite a latch-key child to help make a batch of cookies or casserole, then send it home with the young cook to show off to the family. We can do…a million little things that will make a lasting impression on a young life, build his or her self-esteem, or teach a concept or a skill–all providing a step toward a better life for a child. End the cycle, one child at a time.
