The following is a summary of opinion pieces examining the needs of children around the world this holiday season.

• Marion Roche, Huffington Post’s “Impact” blog: Noting “[d]iarrhea remains the second leading cause of death in children under five years old” and “is also the leading cause of malnutrition in children under five,” Roche, a technical adviser for the Micronutrient Initiative, writes, “Looking to the New Year, I have many wishes for moving forward.” She lists her “top five wishes to end diarrheal disease for 2014,” including “better access to safe drinking water,” “adequate sanitation and hygiene,” “easy access to health facilities,” “encouragement and clarity from health providers,” and “consistent treatment for children” (12/19).
•  Lynn Croneberger, Huffington Post’s “Global Motherhood” blog: “During the holiday season, people always ask me what these children really need to thrive. And I wish it were something we could find at a toy store,” Croneberger, chief executive officer of SOS Children’s Villages-USA, writes. “For too many children around the world, we need to go all the way back to basics,” she states, adding, “Children need a loving family … Children who grow up without the stability of a family are at higher risk of exploitation, abuse and disease.” She concludes, “Toys are a great start, but this holiday season, let’s do our part to ensure all children receive the building blocks to a successful life. Love, food, shelter, education, and health care allow vulnerable children to survive and thrive” (12/19).