In Seward County, nearly 17 percent of the population live below the poverty line. As the sub-zero Kansas winds blow this winter, so too will the cost of heat rise, forcing many of those 17 percent to choose between heating their home and feeding their family.

This is just one of many social justice issues faced by Debbie Snapp and other members of the Catholic Social Service offices of the Diocese of Dodge City, who often look into the faces of people from across the diocese who live under the poverty line.

And it is one of many issues for which others can offer significant help, and not only by opening their wallet.

"Poverty is the main problem," said Snapp, CSS program director. "A lot of people live just barely above the poverty line. They’re called the working poor. They make enough money that they can’t apply for assistance, yet they can’t meet their basic needs."

Meanwhile, as the price of beef has increased, the hours of those working at beef packing plants have decreased, resulting in more and more people seeking help through aid agencies. The economic situation is particularly difficult on the children, who represent nearly one-third of those living in poverty, Snapp said.

Kansas currently ranks 12th overall in the United States for children living in poverty.

Working with adoptive children, CSS workers have seen firsthand the difficulties these children face.

"We have about 30 kids that we are responsible for," Snapp said, about one-third of whom live in group homes and the rest in adoptive or foster care homes. CSS is actively looking for families for 10 of the children.

"These are often kids who have been abused or neglected," she explained. "In Ford County, there were 511 reported child abuse and neglect cases this year.

"There are two seniors in high school graduating in May," she said. "These kids want to be just like every other senior high school student. They just don’t have a family to do it with. The boy won a sport’s letter, but couldn’t afford the jacket …. The girl wanted to go to prom but didn’t have money for a prom dress. These are simple things we take for granted."

A young woman experiencing a troubled pregnancy lies bedridden, unable to work and with no one to support her. Fortunately, Snapp said, her neighbors and church have rallied to help her through her pregnancy. But what happens after the child is born?

So far in 2003, approximately 39 girls under age 18 in Ford County alone have given birth. Six of these mothers presently attend the Teen Moms Program in Dodge City, which is facilitated by social worker Amy Falcon. Last Christmas, several people got together to create gift baskets for the moms, including offering money to purchase toys for their children. This year, no such Santas have come forward.

In Dodge City, Manna House offers groceries, clothing, and even a room to families in transition. They are in need of donated food and volunteers who are willing to work two hours per week. To contact Manna House, call 227-6707.

The Friendship Feast, also in Dodge City, offers a hot lunch daily except weekends. They are also in need of donated food and volunteers. For information, call the First Presbyterian Church at (620) 227-7101.

To purchase toys for needy children, either pick up a card when you see a Salvation Army "Angel Tree" in your area, or call CSS. They would be happy to suggest a gift idea for a particular child. The Dodge City CSS office can be reached at (620) 227-1562. In Great Bend, call 1-800-794-9756. Representatives can also put you in touch with CASA, an organization that trains adults to serve as a voice for children caught up in the court system.

Individuals can help the Teen Moms program by providing Christmas packages for the mothers, or by serving as a mentor. Call CSS for more information.

There are a wealth of other organizations offering ways to serve, including Big Brothers Big Sisters, (620) 225-0432; Mexican-American Ministries, Dodge City: (620) 225-0625, Liberal: (620) 624-6865; and the Salvation Army, Dodge City: (620) 225-4871, Garden City: (620) 276-4027, among many others.

Snapp also suggested that people stay in tune with political issues, including bills currently under consideration. One way to do this is to visit the Kansas Catholic Conference web site at kansas.nasccd.org. There one can find an assortment of issues being addressed.

"Those are really good things to get involved in," Snapp said. "Not everyone can give money, but they can participate in some way and affect social policy issues, and that’s really important."