Swansboro Elementary School, founded in 1986, is located in the south side of Richmond, Virginia. For young students in the community, life presents many challenges. It is estimated that as many as ninety percent of the children who attend the school are being raised in single-parent homes with incomes far below what is needed to make ends meet. Numerous children there live transient, unstable lives, moving frequently between the homes of relatives and acquaintances. Thankfully, students have our volunteer coordinators not only to provide them with basic needs, but also to give them treats to celebrate their accomplishments.
Ms. Hines wanted the students to have the opportunity to spend time together socializing, but she also wanted each student to learn more about sponsorship and ask any questions they might have about it.
The scoop about our sponsors
A few years ago, our Volunteer Coordinator at Swansboro Elementary School at the time, Ms. Hines, hosted a Children Incorporated “Here’s the Scoop” ice cream social to celebrate the children finishing the school year. All of the students in our program attended. Ms. Hines wanted the students to have the opportunity to spend time together socializing, but she also wanted each student to learn more about sponsorship and ask any questions they might have about it.
Before the ice cream was served, Ms. Hines asked students to raise their hands if they had a question. One student raised his 
hand and asked, “What does the word ‘sponsor’ mean?”
Sponsorship from afar
Ms. Hines explained that a sponsor is, in most cases, a complete stranger who is caring and wants to make sure that his or her sponsored child has the things he or she needs, like warm clothes in the winter, school supplies, and clothing for summertime. This clicked with all of the students because each of them had received such items throughout the school year.
Another child raised his hand and asked, “Does my sponsor live in Richmond?” Ms. Hines explained that most sponsors do not live in Richmond – that they live all over the country, and some, even in other countries. This was very fascinating to all of them and they were very touched that someone who lives somewhere else would care enough to help them. Yet another boy raised his hand and exclaimed, “I got to meet and hang out at school with my sponsor!” He was so proud to share this with the others.
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HOW DO I SPONSOR A CHILD IN RICHMOND, VIRGINIA?
You can sponsor a child in Richmond in one of two ways: call our office at 1-800-538-5381 and speak with one of our staff members, or email us at sponsorship@children-inc.org.