We are always told to be thankful for what we have because there are so many that go without. When my kids complain about dinner, agonize over their breakfast choices, or have a fit because they have absolutely nothing to wear despite their dresser full of clothes, I try to remind them of people that are less fortunate than they.

The National Poverty rate for the United States in 2015 was 13.5 percent according to the U.S. Census Bureau, meaning at least 43.1 million people were living at or below the poverty level. Poverty income thresholds differ based on household size. For instance, the average income rate for single individuals was $12,082 while the income rate for households with four people, including children under the age of 18, was $24,257.

In Alabama the poverty rate is higher than the national average at 18.5 percent, which means it is a reality for nearly 900,000 people in this state.

Statistically, we may not think that we can make a difference. But individually, we can. There are always places to donate coats, blankets, clothing, non-perishable food items, and toys for those who need them. The Love Pantry, Toys for Tots, and local churches and schools are taking donations of winter coats and canned food. Those services insure that families have additional items that they need and offer a way to give back.

I try to be especially grateful for what I have, because like so many others, I know what it feels like to go without. I grew up moving around a lot, usually a new state or more every year. And although my father was a hard worker and took any odd job he could get, we were usually still very poor. I know the feeling of standing in line at a soup kitchen waiting for a hot meal. I know what it is like to not have enough food in the cabinet. I know what it is like to live in a car without any cabinets to put food in.

I have lived in a Volkswagen bus with two adults and four children. I have lived in a tent for three months. I have hitchhiked from South Carolina to Montana with nothing to my name except what I could fit into a duffle bag on my back. I have lived without electricity, without running water, without the security of knowing that you have a home.

I can look back on a childhood filled with hardships and resent all the things I didn’t have. Or I can look back on the things I survived and be grateful for what I did have.

I had the opportunity to see people at their best, people who gave from their hearts, people who helped when they received nothing but gratitude in return. I had the opportunity to see the United States, even from the side of the road with my thumb out. I had the opportunity to rely on God to meet my needs, when all of my wants were distant dreams.

I was taught the lesson of hard work and resiliency. I was taught not to judge others by the amount of money they have in their pockets, but rather look for what is in their hearts. I was taught the value of giving and the necessity of receiving on occasion. I was taught that no matter how low you may think you are, you can always rise.