In December 2024, Renée Kube and Kristen Walthall of our U.S. Programs Division and our Director of Development Shelley Callahan traveled to Louisiana to visit five affiliated schools in New Orleans, where our sponsors are helping children with their most basic needs to ensure they can attend school ready to learn.
“It was amazing to get a chance to meet all of our volunteer coordinators and some of our sponsored children during our visit,” said Callahan. “Our coordinators are immensely grateful for the support that we provide to children at their school, especially when it comes to helping them purchase school uniforms and hygiene items.”
“New Orleans is the only city in the United States with a city-wide charter school system, and all children must wear expensive uniforms. Sometimes, because of these extra costs for families, children only have one uniform for 165 school days in a calendar year,” explained Callahan.
“Thanks to our sponsors, students have multiple uniforms to wear. Additionally, sponsorship provides children warm clothes during the colder months, rain gear, and much-needed hygiene items that these students would otherwise go without. It was amazing to hear such inspiring stories about how our sponsorship program is making such a difference.”
“Thank you to all our incredible supporters who make our work in New Orleans possible! You are truly helping so many lives by sponsoring a child. We couldn’t do it without you,” said Callahan.
Want to learn more about our work in New Orleans? Subscribe to our blog series, Stories of Hope, today! https://childrenincorporated.org/stories-of-hope/
REMEMBERING OUR DEAR FRIEND, MAGDA KEGLEY
Magda Kegley, a longtime employee of Children Incorporated, passed away quite suddenly on Saturday, March 8th, 2025. During her tenure with Children Incorporated, Magda served in various capacities, including over two decades as Director of our International Division. Many of our coordinators and sponsors became quite familiar with Magda and grew to love her, just as our staff did. She was a ray of sunshine, always smiling and always caring about others. Magda’s kind words touched many hearts, and her laughter challenged us all to find joy in life. Our staff will certainly miss our dear friend. Our heartfelt condolences go out to her children, Lisa and Scott, her granddaughter, Brynn, and her sister, Nayda, and the entire family.
Keeping Kids Cozy in the Winter
We want to say a huge thank you to Salisbury Presbyterian Church Preschool in Midlothian, Virginia, for donating pajamas to Children Incorporated through our long-time partner, the Pajama Program!
Each pair of the 233 new children’s pajamas was distributed to children at local schools in the Richmond, Virginia, area, along with a storybook, which the Pajama Program will provide.
“This is such a fabulous program, and it was so thoughtful for Salisbury Presbyterian to think of students in our sponsorship program,” said U.S. Programs Director Renée Kube. “Knowing that these special children are going to go to bed warm and comfortable in brand new pajamas is very touching for the entire staff of Children Incorporated, our volunteer coordinators at the school, and the parents of these deserving kids. Thank you for your donations!”
Our CEO and President, Ron Carter, Visits Mexico
Visiting our four affiliated sites in Mexico was quite inspiring for me. Having previously not been to Mexico, I was impressed by the rich heritage of this beautiful and historic country, but more than anything else, I was moved by the commitment and dedication of the sisters who oversee our programs. These women obviously care deeply for the children they serve, and this was never more apparent than at 
Hogar Casa Julia in San Miguel de Allende.
At this site, girls who have been removed from their homes due to various forms of abuse are provided with a safe place to live, nice clothes, and nutritional food, and they receive excellent education and guidance as they heal from their dysfunctional pasts. Sister Isabel, who has been serving at this school for more than a quarter of a century, is a parent figure to these girls, making sure that their needs are met each and every day. She manages funds provided by Children Incorporated
sponsors with excellence and precision. She and all of the sisters with whom we work in Mexico are simply incredible, and I was thoroughly impressed with each of them.
– Ronald H. Carter
New Shoes for Children in Kentucky
Not long ago, we received a letter from Jackie, our volunteer coordinator at Breathitt Elementary School in Kentucky, thanking us and our amazing donors for allowing Hope In Action Funds to purchase shoes and socks for every child in our sponsorship program at her school!
“I am writing in appreciation of the support shown by your organization on behalf of sponsored children at my school. In a school of four hundred students between three and eight years old, fostering independence is vital.Thanks to Children Incorporated Hope In Action funds, each child in the sponsorship program received a pair of sturdy, name-brand Cros shoes.”
“These shoes do not require tying, are easy to clean with soap and water, and are resistant and, most importantly, comfortable to wear.”
“The kids were thrilled to receive the shoes and loved the attractive colors. They wear them daily. Thank you so much for your very valued support! It means so much to all of us that you care so much about these children and their well-being.”