New York Times Editorials Champion Helen Keller’s Lifesaving Work

By Helen Keller Intl
| February 13, 2025

In the midst of this uncertain time, New York Times opinion writer Nicholas Kristof has lent his voice in support of our organization and sector in a new piece: The U.S.A.I.D. Chaos Already Has Dire Effects

Here’s a highlight:

“Readers keep asking me what they can do. I tell them to call their members of Congress and the White House to urge them to reform U.S.A.I.D., not disembowel it. And if you’re motivated to write a check, I have three suggestions.

First, Helen Keller Intl does an outstanding job combating malnutrition and blindness worldwide.”

Today, children and families face grave danger. The recent suspension of US Federal Government funding has had an immediate and irreversible impact. At Helen Keller, we’re estimating that at least 121 million people in the countries we serve are at immediate risk.

Helen Keller’s partnerships with government ministries of health, local communities and individuals, and other nonprofits to improve healthcare and access to nutritious foods are more important than ever. As Helen once said, “I believe that the welfare of each is bound up in the welfare of all.” We are proud to have supported 81 million children and family members last year, and with the support of our generous Helen Keller community, will continue to do everything in our power to support good health, clear vision, and sound nutrition for those in greatest need.

This is Helen Keller’s second mention by The New York Times this week. On Monday, Trisha Mukherjee’s piece detailing the funding freeze’s impact on child malnutrition programs quoted Helen Keller Chief Program Officer Shawn Baker, who said, “It may be the single most powerful investment you’ve never really heard of.”

Read it here: One Very Real Problem Lost in the Politics of Aid Cuts: Child Malnutrition

Learn more about our work to fight malnutrition here: 2024 Year in Review: Ripple Effects [Photo Essay] – Helen Keller Intl