[ [link removed] ]Every Child Deserves To Open A Gift on Christmas Morning.

[ [link removed] ][IMG]

John, 

For many children, the weeks leading up to Christmas are filled with joy
and anticipation. Some mail their wish lists to the North Pole, bake
treats for Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, and peek around the living room
corner in hopes of catching a small glimpse of Santa Claus on Christmas
Eve. But this year may be a little different for children in Baltimore
City Public Schools—where 77% of students are Black and 50.4% receive SNAP
or TANF benefits.^1

[ [link removed] ]BecomE a monthly supporter of our efforts To Protect black joy.

 

The truth is that the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated existing
inequities, leaving many Baltimore families without the income necessary
to participate in these Christmas festivities. Black women, the primary
wage-earners in many families, are twice as likely to experience COVID-19
related unemployment, wage cuts, and reduced work hours.^2 And to combat
food insecurity within these communities, the Maryland Food Bank has
distributed over 42 million pounds of food since March.^3

At Color Of Change, we believe that Black and low-income children deserve
to experience holiday joy. That’s why we’re partnering with Lakewood
Elementary School and raising $2,000 to provide every student with a gift
from Santa Claus. We've made a commitment now, through Christmas 2021, to
make these children's wishes come true.

But even Santa Claus has a team behind him, so we need your support to
ensure that every child has a gift to open on Christmas
Day. John, [ [link removed] ]here’s how you can help: 

 1. Commit to becoming a [ [link removed] ]sustaining supporter, and contribute once per
month to our efforts to make the world a more joyful place for Black
and low-income children,
 2. Sponsor one gift from Santa Claus with just a [ [link removed] ]$25 contribution, or
 3. Choose an amount below that would bring joy to your heart and peace to
your soul this holiday season.

[ [link removed] ]DONATE NOW: $5 [ [link removed] ]DONATE NOW: $25

[ [link removed] ]DONATE NOW: $10 [ [link removed] ]DONATE NOW: $50

[ [link removed] ]DONATE NOW: $15 [ [link removed] ]OTHER AMOUNT

John, socioeconomic status should not determine whether a child
has made the Naughty or Nice List. At Lakewood Elementary School, a Title
1 early childhood school located in East Baltimore City, there are 70
preschoolers in jeopardy of waking up empty-handed and incredibly
dispirited on Christmas morning. [ [link removed] ]Join Color Of Change in bringing
holiday joy to Black and low-income children this year!

Remember, no amount is too small. If we exceed our goal of $2,000, we can
provide Lakewood Elementary School students with the following: 

* Art smocks, easels, and other painting supplies for a “Family Paint
Night”
* Personalized care packages, consisting of toothbrushes, disinfectant
wipes, and other necessities
* Hats, scarves, and gloves as we approach the winter season

[ [link removed] ]CHIP IN, Make This HOLIDAY SEASON memorable for children in Baltimore
city!

Until justice is real, 

—Jade, Rashad, Arisha, Johnny, Amanda, Imani, Marie, Gabrielle, Sam,
Marcus, FolaSade, Jennette, Gabrielle, Ciera, Taurjhai, Stasia, and the
rest of the Color Of Change team

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References: 

 1. “City Schools at a Glance: 2019-2020 Student Enrollment,” Baltimore
City Public Schools,  March 13, 2020,
[ [link removed] ][link removed]
 2. Brandi Jackson and Aderonke B. Pederson, “Facing both COVID-19 and
racism, Black women are carrying a particularly heavy burden,” The
Washington Post, September 4, 2020,
[ [link removed] ][link removed]
 3. "Maryland Food Bank COVID-19 Town Hall," Maryland Food Bank,
(n.d.), [link removed] 


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[ [link removed] ]Color Of Change is building a movement to elevate the voices of Black
folks and our allies, and win real social and political change. Please
help keep our movement strong.

[ [link removed] ]Make a Donation

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