I remember being a child in school at Christmas time. I went to a parochial school, so there was much to do about this time of year and all it entailed. There were pageants, plays, gift making and of course the choir. Yes it was very busy and we were expected to maintain good grades in the midst of ‘sugar plums dancing in our heads’.

I began to think about what a homeless child might be experiencing during this time. Who will come see their performances if their family is estranged or parents are begging for food? Who will hear them sing? Who will meet them behind stage? Who will hand them flowers?  Will they even show up and share in the class experience?

Who will receive their hand-made gifts? Where will they put them? Will they get temporarily be put in a backpack? Will it replace precious space set aside for a water bottle or a box of band-aids? Does this child think “Why bother?”  Are the things they make as good as they might be?  When they look at the gift in their hand, what does it mean to them?

There are certain rights our Colorado homeless children are guaranteed through the McKinney-Vento Act.  This Act provides for their right to an education.  This does not cover a homeless child’s right to a joyous Christmas.

As you send your child off to school, with their supplies and treats in hand, please send a little extra for them to share with a friend who may have ‘forgotten’ theirs.  Teach your children how to help protect the dignity of their peers.