These small pieces of daily life add up and do make a difference. I think in addition to tangibles, part of this is about about attitude. It is important to see any relationship you establish as, in some ways, a back and forth exchange. Everyone has something they can be appreciated for; you can tap into that if you are able to correspond.
Breaking cycles is often about people viewing themselves and their options a bit differently. Your interest in them might help with that. When I have worked with kids from struggling families, some of the best times involved them having even a small way to offer something to someone else.