Financial hardship and poverty affect every aspect of a person’s life and is often most deeply felt during the holiday season, particularly by children and their families. Social pressures of what the holidays should look like, along with comparisons to others who do not have the same struggles, leads to stress and uncertainty for families.

Thankfully, there are programs that work to inspire hope in children and families during the holiday season. Programs such as TrueNorth’s Children’s Christmas Programs in partnership with Toys for Tots, ensure children will be able to celebrate the holidays with their families without added financial stress.

Continue reading to learn more about the difficulties of financial hardship during the holidays, what programs are available to help and how you can help spark joy in the hearts of children.

Realities of People Experiencing Financial Hardship and Poverty During the Holidays

Households experiencing financial hardship face more stress during the holidays. Many families struggle as they try to get by while doing what they can to celebrate the holidays with their children.

State of Financial Hardship and Poverty in Michigan

Families experiencing poverty and financial hardship often have to make impossible choices, such as deciding between putting food on the table or repairing their car to get to work. These constant trade-offs create ongoing stress and uncertainty, placing an enormous burden on their households.

There is also a high percentage of Michigan households that struggle to make ends meet but often are not eligible to receive assistance. This population, often referred to as ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed), is defined by United for ALICE and the Michigan Association of United Ways in their report, ALICE in the Crosscurrents: 2024 Update, as households that “earn above the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) but cannot afford the basic cost of living in their county.” The report highlights that while the percentage of households experiencing poverty between 2021 and 2022 remained consistent with previous years, “the number of ALICE households increased by 88,904 (to 28% of all households). In 2022, of the 4,056,442 households in Michigan, 1,671,196 — 41% — were below the ALICE Threshold,” according to the findings.

This means that a significant percentage of Michigan households struggle to afford the cost of living and require support to improve their circumstances. The chart below, sourced from Kids Count and funded by the Annie E. Casey Foundation, highlights the number of households living in poverty or classified as ALICE in Michigan.

Households in Poverty or Who Are Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed (ALICE) in Michigan

In Michigan, a significant percentage of households face financial hardship. TrueNorth’s Children’s Christmas Program serves children either residing or going to school in Newaygo County. The chart below presents similar data, narrowed to focus solely on Newaygo County rather than the entire state. This information comes from Kids Count and the Annie E. Casey Foundation.

Households in Poverty or Who Are Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed (ALICE) in Newaygo

Both Newaygo County and the state of Michigan have experienced an increase in households living in poverty or classified as ALICE. However, Newaygo County has a higher percentage than the state average.

Seeing the state of financial hardship in Michigan and Newaygo County shows the need for programs like TrueNorth’s Children’s Christmas Programs and Toys for Tots. These initiatives ensure that families struggling financially can celebrate the holidays with their children without added stress and worry.

Impact on Children and Families

Many see the Christmas season as a time of joy. But for families experiencing financial hardship, the holidays are often overshadowed by stress and uncertainty.

The holiday season brings numerous social pressures. Whether it be through what is advertised as the “perfect” Christmas or children at school hearing about their peers’ holiday plans, there is an unofficial standard many hold themselves too. These expectations create an unofficial standard many feel pressured to meet. For parents, this idealized image can heighten anxiety as they strive to make the season enjoyable for their children. Meanwhile, children, who may not fully understand their families’ financial challenges, often feel the weight of the stress affecting their household.

These pressures are why programs that help families celebrate the holidays are so important. Children not only experience joy in receiving gifts but, more importantly, feel the peace and stability that comes from being together as a family. For parents, alleviating the financial stress of holiday celebrations allows them to focus on being present.

Available Christmas Programs

Many Michigan communities have programs available to help children and their families celebrate the holiday season. One of the most well-known programs is the Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Foundation. By giving children in need new toys, Toys for Tots works to inspire hope and resilience in children and their families.

TrueNorth’s Children’s Christmas Programs partner with the Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Foundation. Read below to learn more about TrueNorth’s programs and how they serve the Newaygo County community.

TrueNorth’s Children’s Christmas Programs

How You Can Brighten Lives this Christmas and Beyond

You can lighten the hearts of children who often do not have enough to eat, warm clothes to wear or a safe place to call home. Being able to enjoy Christmas with their family without stress and worry is one of the greatest gifts you can give.

“Our Children’s Christmas programs bring hope and joy to thousands of area kids and is a great way for people to make sure that every child in our community feels valued and supported,” says Mike Voyt, TrueNorth’s Hunger Prevention and Children’s Services Director.

Let our children know they live in a community that cares by donating or volunteering today. You can make a real difference in the lives of area youth this season and beyond.