Of course I was using an extreme but unfortunately that’s close to what many families can afford without getting into more debt. They’ll use whatever means possible so it shouldn’t come it to that including “collecting” which you malign. I took the liberty to color the situation a little for illustrative purposes, so you can see what you’re essentially advocating if asking for help is a no-no.
And the child probably knows theoretically where the family stands financially, with the parents stressing anytime an appliance breaks etc. but most likely they didn’t grow up deprived and hungry (food stamps maybe?) or missed out on class trips.
Your premise about mice running around, eating at Kiddushim foreclosing etc. is totally off base and exaggerated as very many families barely get buy without resorting to such a life AND YET CAN’T AFFORD A RESPECTABLE WEDDING, DECENT GIFTS AND TROUSSEAU FOR CHILD AFTER CHILD.