Let's ensure that small costs won't stand in the way of success for youth.

The Louisiana Center for Children's Rights goes to the mat for their kids every day -- in the courtroom, in the classroom, and in the community. But sometimes what stands between their kids and their success are small costs.

Alonzo keeps getting suspended from school for dress code violations because he can't afford a new uniform. Heather's family lost their home, but can't pay for the rental truck to move in with relatives. Ronald is the first person in his family accepted into college, but the cost of textbooks is out of reach.

LCCR believes that no children should sink deeper into the justice system because they cannot afford the small costs that matter so much to their success. Sometimes our staff covers these costs out of pocket -- in some cases literally giving kids the shoes off our feet. But this isn't sustainable, and these $50, $100, and $500 costs can really add up.

This holiday season, I'm rallying to raise money for LCCR's Small Favors Fund -- a reserve used to help children cover the small costs that stand in the way of opportunity.

• For $25, you can provide one child with bus fare for a week
• For $50, you can provide one child with a school uniform
• For $100, you can cover the cost of school extracurricular activities for one child
• For $250, you can send one child to youth leadership camp
• And for $500, you can help one child purchase first semester textbooks

I can spare a few bucks to cover the small costs that will help a child leave the justice system behind for good. I hope you can, too.

Together, let's rally to remove obstacles to LCCR's kids' success...and change lives for the better. I appreciate all of the help you can give!