The
name Charles Dickens creates visions of plum pudding and cozy
firesides, but also of homeless and starving children, misers, and mean
school-masters in a 19th century London divided by class: the rich and
the poor. Young Charles Dickens survived London's rough streets. Largely
self-educated, he became the greatest writer of his age. "A Christmas
Carol" is today a classic work.
Born
on February 7, 1812, Charles' father was unable to make ends meet and
was thrown into "Debtor's Prison." Twelve year old Charles was removed
from school and put to work at a boot-blacking factory earning only six
shillings a week to support the family. This experience defined his
life, and Charles became a strong advocate for social reform creating
awareness of abuse and need in his fifteen major novels. He died on June
9, 1870.
Nineteenth
century Charles Dickens survived London's hard times and became the
greatest writer of his age. "A Christmas Carol" is his classic work.
Born Feb. 7, 1812, Dickens' father was unable to make ends meet and was
thrown into debtor's prison. At age 12, he was forced to work in a boot
blacking factory. As a result, he advocated for the poor, homeless and
social change in his 15 major novels.
The
Dickens Festival at Stadium supports donations for the hungry and
homeless, and its proceeds from a dessert auction at the Dickens Contra
Dance Ball go to its chosen non-profit, Stand Up For Kids, serving
homeless teens in Tacoma.
Stand Up For Kids
Stand
Up For Kids is a 501(c)(3) founded in Atlanta,GA in 1990 to help rescue
homeless and at-risk youth. Today it has a Tacoma chapter and in cities
nationwide that are run almost entirely by volunteers. Homeless teens
are located and directed to social service programs serving their needs
including housing, job training, and food coupons.
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