Child Poverty in America One in six children lives in poverty in America. They don't need to.  Save the Children works in impoverished rural communities in Appalachia, the Southeast, the Mississippi River Delta, the Gulf Coast, the Southwest and California’s Central Valley – where conditions resemble parts of the developing world. We provide early childhood development, literacy, physical activity, and nutrition programming as well as emergency relief. Watch slideshow    Help give them a reason to hope, donate to support our programs in the United States. Literacy Save the Children’s literacy programs help children become better readers. Learn more about Save the Children’s literacy program. Emergency Programs Save the Children helps children before, during and after a disaster. Watch children at play in a Safe Space set up during California’s wildfires. Physical Activity and Nutrition We are committed to creating healthy, active, nurturing, growing-up environments for rural children. Learn more about Save the Children’s nutrition and physical activity program. Early Childhood Development Save the Children provides the youngest children with strong, early foundations for learning. Learn more about the Early Steps to School Success Program.