In December 2025, BBUUC donated holiday gifts for 19 children in the Lutheran Services Florida (LSF) Early Head Start educational program during the annual “Angel Tree” gift drive. Early Head Start is a social service program that serves infants and toddlers under the age of 3, as well as pregnant woman in some LSF Early Head Start programs. Families must meet current Federal Poverty Guidelines to qualify for Head Start/Early Head Start. Children in foster care, children experiencing homelessness, and children from families receiving public assistance (TANF, SSI, or SNAP) are categorically eligible for Head Start and Early Head Start services regardless of income.

According to the Florida Chamber Foundation, 16.5% of children in Florida live in poverty. Though this is a reduction of 3,192 children living in poverty over the last reporting period, 711,576 remain in poverty in the state. These children often face challenges in their education that their higher income peers do not. As noted in an Augusta University blog, “Low-income students may struggle to complete homework or study because they lack access to computers and high-speed internet service. Their parents often work long hours, limiting the support and schoolwork assistance that their parents can provide them. Low-income children are also more likely to experience stress, which can harm their executive function and emotional regulation skills.” Combating poverty and its effects is key to educational success. In turn, education can help lift people out of poverty. Early education is critical because, as stated by the American Academy of Pediatrics, “Children who enter school ready to learn are expected to achieve more academically. Academic success has been linked to improved social, economic, and health outcomes.”

By providing gifts to LSF Early Head Start participants, the Angel Tree program provides a tangible show of support to low-income students and their families. For more information about LSF Head Start, visit https://www.lsfheadstart.org/. To get involved with the next Social Action Committee project, contact Kristina at social_action@bbuuc.org.