Put on your Red Nose, Natchez, and help to fight child poverty.

That’s right Natchez, you’re being invited to put your red nose on Wednesday and join the Adams County Sheriff’s Office along with AJFC Head Start Center, Frazier and West Elementary Schools, New Hope Academy, ACCS Drama Club, Trinity Presbyterian Playschool, as well as members of Zeta Delta Omega, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. and Natchez Alumnae Chapter, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc.

The groups will gather at the corner of State and Wall Streets for 10 a.m. Wednesday with music being provided by Optimistic: Sounds of Black.

The only requirement needed to participate is that you purchase a ‘Red Nose’ from any Walgreens store and put it on.

The ones for this year even have a little sparkle added — for those of us who like all things that sparkle — and the price is only $1. That’s right, Natchez, only $1 to help fight childhood poverty.

Why should you participate in this event?

According to the United States Census Bureau, one child in five lives in poverty compared to one in eight  adults. That’s 15.5 million impoverished children right here in the U.S.

Research conducted by the organization for Economic Co-operation and Development states that children in the U.S. experience higher poverty rates than most developed nations. Only Greece, Mexico, Israel and Turkey have higher poverty rates than the U.S.

The Urban Institute states that almost 40 percent of American kids spend at least one year in poverty before they turn 18. Furthermore, it was stated that between 2012 and 2014, federal spending decreased for kids’ educations, nutrition, social services and early education and care. The government spends just 10 percent of the national budget on kids, a fraction of what other developed countries spend.

The Red Nose campaign was started to help change those appalling statistics. It brings people together, breaks down barriers, and reminds everyone of the power of laughter. Since the program started here in America in 2015, over $100 million has been raised and over three three million children have been helped.

In our own state of Mississippi, findings reported by Kids Count state that Mississippi ranked 50th in overall child well-being, economic well-being and health and family and community. Our state also ranked 48th in education.

Most of us are aware that poverty can impede children’s abilities to learn, and it also contributes to social, emotional and behavioral problems. Poverty also can contribute to poor health and poor mental health. Those risks are far greater for children who experience poverty when they are young and/or experience deep and persistent poverty.

What can we do to help? It’s simple! Purchase a Red Nose from any Walgreen’s store and join the Adams County Sheriff’s Office and others in the celebration at 10 a.m. Wednesday at Wall and State streets.

You’ll be helping to ‘nose’ out childhood poverty — one ‘Red Nose’ at a time. Hope to see you there.

For additional information please contact the Adams County Sheriff’s Office at 601-442-2752.

Thelma S. Newsome is a member of the Natchez Alumnae Chapter, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc.