Our kids’ futures depend on us. Here’s how we can show up for them.

We just witnessed a historic election where North Carolinians made their voices heard in record numbers, despite the challenges presented by COVID-19.

Now it’s time for us to come together and tackle the very real issues too many kids and families are facing – systemic racism, lack of health care coverage, the global pandemic, and making ends meet in a struggling economy.

Our children need us, and NC Child needs you. When we work together to advocate for kids, amazing things can happen, even in these incredibly uncertain times.

Thank you for speaking up for kids and families.
Thank you for taking action for kids and families.
Thank you for voting with children’s best interests in mind.

Today, I’m asking for you to give for kids and families.

Please make a gift to NC Child today — your generosity will help us keep working together to create a better future for our children.

I’m so grateful for you and for the many ways that you show up for children and families every day. As teachers who guide our children through the new world of virtual learning with patience and kindness. As pediatricians who find safe and innovative ways to get kids the healthcare they need. As childcare providers who open their doors and their hearts to our kids so we can all go to work. As parents and caregivers who juggle work while looking after your families.

I see your passion and commitment to kids in your daily lives, and I see it when you pick up the phone to call your legislators to advocate for what children and families need.

Amid the COVID-19 crisis, your emails, calls, and tireless advocacy have bolstered our spirits and helped NC Child to achieve some very significant wins for kids and families:

• You used your voice to help children struggling with hunger. One in five NC children were facing hunger even before COVID hit. Through HB 1023, legislators allocated tens of millions of dollars to fight hunger through local food banks and free school meals during the 2020-21 school year.
• You spoke up for childcare providers and helped to secure $20 million in relief funds to operate safely during the pandemic. These relief funds allowed childcare businesses to open safely so that parents who are essential workers can do their jobs, and others will be able to go back to work when the crisis passes.
• You took action to block HB 918 from becoming law. The legislation aggressively targeted parents with substance use disorders. HB 918 would have resulted in more Black children taken permanently from their birth families when what families need is treatment and support to stay together. Because of you, more infants and young children will have the chance to remain with their birth parents instead of being placed into the foster care system.

As we look to 2021 and the challenges that lie ahead, I know that if we pull together and use our voice for children, we can really make a difference for kids – no matter what we face.

When we act, speak, vote and give like our children’s futures depend on it, we can keep working to create a future where:

• Kids can get the health care they need when they need it;
• Every child gets the chance to learn in high-quality early care and education programs;
• North Carolina’s policies and programs strengthen families, prevent abuse and neglect, and help families stay together; and
• Children grow up in safe, loving, and financially secure families that can support them to succeed in school, stay healthy, and become self-sufficient as adults.

With your generosity and support, we can give every child in North Carolina the opportunity to thrive – no matter their race, ethnicity, or place of birth.

Give to NC Child today — our children’s futures depend on you!