"I think it would be surprising for people to know that right here in our community 25% of children are living in poverty," says Debbie Hills, Interim President of the United Way here in Bowling Green.

The numbers may be eye opening and a national organization wants to change them.

The Save the Children's Freedom from Poverty Campaign aids to give a voice to the children bearing the brunt of the U.S. poverty crisis.

Children in Kentucky fall into that category.

Local organizations, like the United Way are also doing their part.

"For a single mom and one child, that means that they have less than $15,000 in income and you think about the most basic of human needs, food, clothing and shelter and when it's $15,000 for a mom and a child, it makes it very difficult for them to meet those needs," says Hills.

When children live in poverty, they lack resources they need to succeed in school and to thrive in life.

In rural areas the number leaps to 30%.

United Way's Day of Caring focuses on helping non-profit organizations and a handful of those organizations deal with childhood poverty.

"It can range from the Salvation Army, they're going to be doing some deep cleaning on the rooms or even to the point where children have been homeless, or are living with their family in the shelter. The Boys and Girls Club, WKU athletics is going to be doing a great project working with kids throughout the day."

The Save the Children campaign believes that although one in four children are living in poverty it doesn't have to stay that way.