Help save Karen and other kids from the streets

Anonymous donor pledges to match all donations to Covenant House to a ceiling of $500,000 until Dec. 31, 2012

By Kevin Ryan –

As Christmas approaches and the winter weather continues, I find it harder and harder to imagine being out in the cold on the streets every night.
Karen doesn’t have to imagine — she lived it.

Please make your most generous gift to Covenant House today. A generous donor has agreed to match all donations up to $500,000 through the end of the year, and there are so many kids on the street who we could help with your gift.

When Karen’s mother kicked her out of their house, she wandered around their quiet suburban neighborhood trying to figure out where to go. This neighborhood had been her home — now, it was dark and unfamiliar.

After overstaying her welcome with friends, Karen tried to sleep on a grate in the street. I can’t imagine how scared she must have been, her tears falling down into the sewer below.

Luckily, Karen found Covenant House — where she has a warm bed to sleep in, nourishing meals to eat, and people who care deeply about her.

But there are still far too many kids on the streets tonight. They are alone — trying not to freeze to death, trying to stay safe, worrying about the next time they will eat — and they need your help.

I know this is a busy time of year when we gather with our families and friends to celebrate Christmas. But I ask that you don’t forget the kids who are still wandering the dangerous streets alone. These kids desperately need a safe place to sleep, a hot meal and most of all … unconditional love.

Your very special gift today will support many more homeless and abandoned children this Christmas.

Kevin Ryan is president of Covenant House