Kids in Need - WQOW TV: Eau Claire, WI NEWS18 News, Weather, and Sports

242 homeless students go without basic necessities; find out how you can help

We are launching the Top Drawer Drive. During the month of May we'll be collecting socks and underwear at our station off Highway 93. More>>

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Kids in Need: Barriers to Care Part 1

Across western Wisconsin many families are fighting to get access to mental health services for their children. Who or what is stopping kids from receiving the care they need? More>>

Parent shares frustrations over access to mental health care

Mental health care providers have begun partnering with schools in an attempt to connect families with treatment options. But, despite those efforts a growing number of local kids are not able to access services they need.
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Shoebox Project aims to help provide basic essentials
Shoebox Project aims to help provide basic essentials
An effort is underway to make sure families and individuals in our community have the most basic essentials. Things like clean socks, a toothbrush, items many of us take for granted.More >>
Area family needs help with school supplies, many others in similar situation
Area family needs help with school supplies, many others in similar situation
The start of a new school year is just days away, while some children are filling their backpacks with pens, folders and notebooks there are others who may have to enter the classroom without the supplies they must have.More >>
Program helps students overcome adversity, go on to college
Program helps students overcome adversity, go on to college
Getting ready to apply for college is hard, and it can be even more difficult for students navigating it on their own. That's why one organization is helping disadvantaged teens explore education after high school.More >>
100 area kids waiting to be matched with big brother or big sister
100 area kids waiting to be matched with big brother or big sister
A local organization is putting the call out for volunteers. More than 100 kids in northwestern Wisconsin are waiting to be matched with a mentor. Big Brothers Big Sisters says that's the biggest waiting list they've had in years.More >>
Non profit helps low income families and individuals stay active
Non profit helps low income families and individuals stay active
Childhood obesity and diabetes have hit record levels in our country. One powerful tool against that trend is exercise. That's just one of the reasons why a local non profit is helping low income individuals stay active.More >>
Program helps families afford fresh, local produce
Program helps families afford fresh, local produce
Some families that are struggling financially have said that it can be tough to eat healthy because of the cost. There are efforts to help more families afford fresh, local produce.More >>
Local dental clinic serves low income families
Local dental clinic serves low income families
Most of us make it to the dentist once or twice a year. But for families struggling to make ends meet, or on limited insurance, dental care becomes less of a priority, and more of a luxury. That's why we're highlighting an area dental clinic that caters only to low income families or those on Badger Care.More >>
Transportation options for families without a car, or on a fixed income
Transportation options for families without a car, or on a fixed income
For families without a car, and on a fixed income, getting kids from point A, to point B can be a struggle. This is especially true during the summer months, when transportation to and from school and to after school activities isn't offered by local districts.More >>
Low or no cost summer programs for kids
Low or no cost summer programs for kids
During summer vacation kids get time away from school. Most parents, on the other hand, don't get a break from their jobs. Meaning children from families who can't afford full time care are often left home alone, unsupervised, during the summer months. That's why we're focusing on safe, fun places, kids can go for little or no cost.More >>
Free meals available at two local schools this summer
Free meals available at two local schools this summer
School's out and summer vacation is in full swing. For some children a break from the books also means a break in steady nutrition. Lunch and breakfast, served at school, are sometimes the only solid meals these children get.More >>
Discounted pool passes provide summer fun, safety
Discounted pool passes provide summer fun, safety
During the summer months a community pool can provide kids some relief from the heat. But, a season long pool pass is a luxury only some can afford.More >>
The Community Table: A resource for families in need of healthy food
The Community Table: A resource for families in need of healthy food
When money is tight healthy food can be hard to come by. But for families with young children nutrition is what their growing bodies need most. That's why we're bringing attention to a place where families can go to receive a hot, healthy meal for free, no questions asked.More >>
Masonic Angel fund provides immediate help for children
Masonic Angel fund provides immediate help for children
Teachers, school counselors and social workers are some of the first to realize when a child has a need that's not being met at home. That may be the easy part, at least when compared to finding a solution. Where do schools turn when they've run out of options, when a child needs dental care or a winter coat?More >>
Sign up now for program that gives free backpacks to low income kids
Sign up now for program that gives free backpacks to low income kids
Summer break is just around the corner, but for organizations that help families afford school supplies, like a backpack, the preparation for fall begins right now.More >>
Growing number of local high school seniors facing financial stress
Growing number of local high school seniors facing financial stress
High school graduation is right around the corner. That's usually a happy time, but it's become stressful for some seniors. In the Eau Claire School District, a cap and gown is just one cost students are struggling to afford.More >>
Dire need for foster families in Eau Claire County
Dire need for foster families in Eau Claire County
Eau Claire County puts out the call for more foster families and this is why: Every two hours in Wisconsin a child goes into foster care because of abuse, neglect or alcohol and drugs in the home.More >>
Food insecurity growing problem in Eau Claire
Food insecurity growing problem in Eau Claire
It's dinner time, but for many local kids, tonight's meal will not provide the kind of food they need. That's the focus of our Kids in Need report.More >>
WQOW News 18 launches effort to raise awareness for kids in need
WQOW News 18 launches effort to raise awareness for kids in need
Recently, a conversation was started in the WQOW News 18 newsroom about what needs are being met for area youth, and what more needs to be done. We've decided to launch an effort that will bring attention to local kids in need.More >>
More than 200 Eau Claire students homeless this school year
More than 200 Eau Claire students homeless this school year
This year when Eau Claire students leave school at the end of day, hundreds have no home of their own to go to. Friday, we're taking a closer look at that growing number of homeless students in our area.More >>

Kids in Need - WQOW TV: Eau Claire, WI NEWS18 News, Weather, and Sports

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