Tag Archives: child poverty

Rachel Luginbuhl | August 19, 2026

The holiday season is celebrated around the world in a vast array of different cultures and traditions. From the United States, to Kenya, to Sri Lanka, children of all ages anticipate festivities, and of course, presents. But the deep poverty that our sponsored children live in prevents them from having the experiences they should. Instead of anticipating what will be given, they are left to worry if there will be anything at all.

We are so thankful that we were able to give these children a special holiday, when they would’ve otherwise gone without any gifts at all.

When families are living in poverty, they are often unable to save money throughout the year for Christmas gifts for their children; instead, there are always bills to pay, food items to buy, or school fees to consider. There is not enough money to pay for everything and save at the same time. Thankfully, the children enrolled in our program have their sponsors and our volunteer coordinators to ensure that they receive new clothes, school supplies, food, educational games and toys — and sometimes even presents during the holidays — all things they would otherwise go without.

Most families inhabit concrete dwellings; but many others live in shacks fashioned from nipa palm shingles, bamboo, and cast-off boards. Amid this devastating poverty and its socioeconomic effects, the Visayans Community Center at Bliss serves as a beacon of hope. Founded by the local group Volunteer for the Visayans, the center is dedicated to facilitating community development, providing healthcare, and promoting education.

Our Volunteer Coordinator there, Helena, bought clothing, as well as groceries and grains, this past Christmas, thanks to donations from the children’s sponsors, to ensure that the kids in our program had a special Christmas. We are so thankful that we were able to give these children a special holiday, when they would’ve otherwise gone without any gifts at all.

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HOW DO I change the life of a child in need

If you would like to stand beside a child and help them see beyond their circumstances, we have many students still waiting for a sponsor. You can begin your sponsorship journey by:

calling our office at 1-800-538-5381 and speak with one of our staff members
emailing us at sponsorship@children-inc.org
going online to our sponsorship portal and search for a child that is available for sponsorship.

SPONSOR A CHILD

Rachel Luginbuhl | August 12, 2026

Because of their compassion and commitment, children in our program receive the essentials they need, and the opportunities that help them truly thrive. Whether it’s staying in school, participating in activities, or simply feeling supported and seen, sponsors make the difference every single day.

making a difference in bolivia

During a recent visit to Children Incorporated programs in Bolivia, our International Director saw firsthand how much sponsors are helping children and families during a difficult time. As the cost of food, transportation, clothing, and education continues to rise, many families are struggling to provide even basic necessities. Your support is helping change that.
Because of sponsors like you, children are receiving school supplies, uniforms, shoes, clothing, food, tutoring, and help with educational expenses. Support like this allows them to stay in school and continue working toward a brighter future. Read more about our International Director’s visit here

Thank you from a coordinator

Our volunteer coordinator at Morgan County High School shared some kind and important stories with us recently. All our coordinators have been expressing one very important fact: your care for the children you sponsor is making a huge impact!

Our students are so appreciative of their sponsors! The students look so forward to doing their back to school and holiday shopping because they know it helps their families.

I had a student whose sponsor sent in additional funding. She said that she just couldn’t believe how good her sponsor is to her!

One of my other students said that it makes him feel so important to know that someone cares about them and wants to help their family. This year, I was transferred to the high school and one of the seniors said they didn’t know how they would have gotten through without their sponsor. He said that it made him want to help out other people when he gets a job on his own because he knows how much that sponsorship means to him. It was so sweet to see the way that sponsorship has truly made a difference for him and how it fostered a love for helping others.

Columbia update

Around 7:34am in Columbia, a 7.4 magnitude earthquake hit in the coastal midsection of the country. This issue seriously affected the area where we have CI programs, the city of Manizales particularly suffered many casualties and destruction. Our CI program site Centro de Orientacion is located in that city. Our international director immediately sought to make contact with our dedicated volunteer coordinators in the area. He has so far spoken to the coordinator in charge of one of the schools, and she has indicated that at this point, it is truly difficult to reach the children. Phones are not properly working and all is in emergency mode, as the damages and assisting the general population has taken priority.

As we work to establish communication with our affiliated sites in the affected areas, we are not without hope for those impacted. Once we have reports from our volunteers coordinators living in the areas, we will continue to update as we work tirelessly to ensure our students have resources available to them.

Our Hope in Action fund is our direct connection to immediate assistance when devastating events occur. No red tape, just support where it is needed the most.

Unsponsored Child Highlight

Meet James*, a kind and helpful third grader who enjoys learning, especially when it’s time for math. Whether he’s singing, playing football, or spending time with his mother and grandmother, James brings a caring spirit to those around him. He dreams of a world that’s “like Disney”: a place filled with happiness and wonder. At home, James does his part by helping with chores, and his teacher says he is always willing to lend a helping hand.

James is currently waiting for a sponsor. Sponsorship helps provide children with essentials like clothing, school supplies, and other support that helps them stay focused on school and continue building a bright future.

By sponsoring James, you’ll do more than provide practical support, you’ll remind him that someone believes in him and is cheering him on as he grows, learns, and pursues his dreams.

*Name is changed for online security

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How do I sponsor a child with Children Incorporated?

You can sponsor a child in one of three ways:

call our office at 1-800-538-5381 and speak with a real person in our sponsorship department
email us at sponsorship@children-inc.org
go online to our sponsorship portal and search for a child that is available for sponsorship.

SPONSOR A CHILD

Liz Collins | August 7, 2026

Dear Friends,

The first day of school should be a day filled with excitement.

Most children lay out their new school clothes, organize their supplies, and wonder what their new teacher will be like. They dream about seeing friends again and moving up to the next grade. But, for children living in poverty, those feelings can be mixed with uncertainty. Will their backpack last another year? Will their shoes still fit? Will they have the supplies they need when classes begin?

Lacking these essentials, and not knowing the solution to provide them creates a ripple effect that lasts longer than most can imagine. No child should feel embarrassed, isolated, and unprepared. They should be free to focus on what their education is really about. Each school year marks another important step toward achieving their goals and building a brighter future.

Every school year is a step forward.

A step toward graduation.

A step toward new skills.

A step toward greater confidence.

A step toward opportunities that can change a child’s future.

And that’s why the Hope In Action Fund exists. By ensuring the essential items are available, you make sure children start the year with dignity and hope. But we can’t do it alone.

Last fall, one of our volunteer coordinators met a student who couldn’t stop smiling after receiving a new backpack and school supplies. As she packed her notebooks and pencils inside, she proudly told her coordinator she was “ready for school now.” It was a simple moment, but an important one.

Being ready for school isn’t just about having supplies. It’s about feeling confident. It’s about knowing you belong. It’s about walking into the classroom focused on learning and excited about what lies ahead. We believe every child deserves the chance to begin that journey feeling confident and prepared.

The Hope In Action Fund provides the essentials children need for a successful year, including school supplies, uniforms, shoes, backpacks, and other educational necessities. With your support, children will receive the resources they need to begin the school year with confidence and hope. Together, we can help ensure that students start the year prepared to learn, grow, and succeed.

As another school year begins, we invite you to help children take this important step forward. Together, we can ensure they have the tools, encouragement, and opportunities they need to thrive.

Today is a chance to make a difference

Through our Hope In Action Fund, children receive the resources they need to begin the school year with confidence and hope. Together, we can help ensure that students start the year prepared to learn, grow, and succeed.

Because a Fresh Start Shouldn’t Depend on What’s Missing

Sincerely,

Liz Collins, President of Children Incorporated

Want to PARTICIPATE in our Hope In Action fund?

Children Incorporated | July 27, 2026

Five Things That Stood Out While Visiting Bolivia

For more than 30 years, I have visited Children Incorporated programs around the world, and each trip teaches me something new. This year’s visit to Bolivia reminded me just how resilient children and families can be.

Every visit to our international programs reminds me why Children Incorporated’s work matters.

Recently, I traveled throughout Bolivia to visit our partner schools and child care centers, meet with our volunteer coordinators, and spend time with the children and families we serve. While every community is unique, several themes stood out everywhere I went.

Here are five observations I’ll carry with me from this trip.

1. Families Are Working Harder Than Ever, But Life Has Become More Expensive

Wherever we traveled, one conversation kept coming up: the cost of everyday life has risen dramatically. Food, transportation, clothing, and school supplies all cost more than they did just a few years ago, while many families’ incomes have remained the same. Parents are working hard, but many still struggle to keep up with rising expenses.

It is still a real world issue, in some locations children must leave school at young ages to assist their parents in bringing in income. That’s one reason sponsorship is so important. It helps ease financial pressure and allows families to keep their children in school despite difficult circumstances.

2. Education Is Still Every Parent’s Greatest Hope

Whether I was visiting a preschool in Santa Cruz or a secondary school near Sucre, I heard the same dream from parents. They want their children to receive an education. Many families make tremendous sacrifices so their children can attend school because they know education creates opportunities that poverty cannot.

What impressed me most was seeing schools that not only provide traditional classroom learning but also vocational training in agriculture, computer science, robotics, garment making, and other practical skills that prepare students for future careers.

3. Sponsorship Does More Than Pay for School

When people think about child sponsorship, they often imagine school supplies or tuition; those things are certainly important. But, throughout Bolivia I saw sponsorship helping children receive nutritious food, uniforms, shoes, clothing, tutoring, and other assistance that allows them to stay healthy and continue learning.

Sometimes it’s the little things that make the biggest difference.

A new pair of shoes. A bag of groceries. Even a new bed. These tangible items mean the difference between growth or giving up.

4. Our Local volunteer Coordinators Know Every Family

One of the greatest strengths of Children Incorporated is something many sponsors never get to see, our volunteer coordinators. They voluntarily administer our program, allowing more of every donation to reach the children. Throughout Bolivia I met dedicated educators, sisters, and community leaders who know the children and families personally. They spoke of the children not as numbers, but by name, sharing stories of families navigating hardship, of small victories, of urgent needs. They know where help is most needed and how to stretch each sponsorship dollar so that it truly changes a child’s daily life.

Their compassion, knowledge, and commitment allows our program to serve children so effectively. Even when travel was disrupted by severe weather or political demonstrations, coordinators continued communicating and caring for the children in their communities.

5. Hope Is Everywhere

Despite the challenges families face, what I’ll remember most isn’t the hardship. It’s the hope.

I saw children excited to learn, teachers committed to helping every student succeed, and parents determined to give their children opportunities they never had themselves.

I visited homes built years ago with Children Incorporated’s support that are still providing families with stability today. I met former sponsored children who have graduated from school, found employment, and built brighter futures for themselves. Those moments are powerful reminders that sponsorship creates lasting change.

Every trip reinforces something I have believed for many years: sponsorship is more than financial assistance, it is an investment in a child’s future.

Thank you to every sponsor who makes these visits possible and, more importantly, makes these stories possible. Because of your generosity, children across Bolivia have the opportunity to learn, grow, and look toward tomorrow with hope.

-Luis Bourdet

International Programs Director

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Join Us in Making a Difference

These stories reveal just a glimpse of your support’s impact. Will you help us write the next story?

You can sponsor a child in one of three ways:

call our office at 1-800-538-5381 and speak with one of our staff members
email us at sponsorship@children-inc.org
go online to our sponsorship portal and search for a child that is available for sponsorship.

SPONSOR A CHILD

Rachel Luginbuhl | July 13, 2026

Thank you sponsors!

While our US students are out on summer break, they still want you to know how much they appreciate you! Through consistent sponsorship, Hope In Action, and letters between children and their sponsors, our students are anticipating the upcoming year with confidence, not fear.

Having what you need to start the next school year can be the change between success and failure. When you don’t have clothes that fit, or a backpack to carry your supplies, it can be the reason a child doesn’t attend school that day, or can’t focus on what they are learning. Sponsors change that. If you are wanting to make a real world impact in the life of someone else this year, sponsor a child today. Because a pair of shoes should never stand in the way of graduation.

combating food insecurity

Our Feeding Program is in full force! Because of your sponsorship children are receiving nutritious, vital meals that ensure they can stay focused on their education.

Food insecurity is a persistent problem, and one that we will continue to combat. Your sponsorship, combined with our Feeding Program works year round across the globe to ensure children enrolled have what they need.

more help this month

It has been a busy time for our Hope In Action Fund, here are some of the important work your donations have accomplished:

We recently provided the required attire for the children in the high school division of Shonto Preparatory School, so that they can participate in a statewide culinary competition in Tucson, Arizona. Shonto currently has a culinary program, allowing students to explore this as an opportunity for a future career.
Two brothers recently received a Hope in Action grant to attend a week-long summer camp together. There they will learn agricultural best practices, fishing, and leadership skills.
Students with autism and other needs received educational and enrichment tools to assist during the summer break, to keep them occupied and engaged over the summer.
Several school’s food pantries were restocked in Bath County, Kentucky. Although they had plenty of processed food, our volunteer coordinator wanted to make sure healthy options were available to children as well.
Our volunteer coordinators consistently report to us that food insecurity is a persistent problem. But thanks to our Feeding Program Fund, we are doing all we can to combat this very important issue. Recently, some of our schools enacted a Backpack Buddy for weekend food assistance. This will make sure students are sent home with nutritious food while home on the weekends.
Recently, we assisted a high school student with a new outfit and shoes for a job interview. Having the proper clothing gave him the confidence and professionalism to do his best!

Unsponsored Child Highlight

By sponsoring James, you’ll do more than provide practical support, you’ll remind him that someone believes in him and is cheering him on as he grows, learns, and pursues his dreams.

*Name is changed for online security

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How do I sponsor a child with Children Incorporated?

You can sponsor a child in one of three ways:

call our office at 1-800-538-5381 and speak with a real person in our sponsorship department
email us at sponsorship@children-inc.org
go online to our sponsorship portal and search for a child that is available for sponsorship.

SPONSOR A CHILD

Rachel Luginbuhl | June 11, 2026

2026 Graduates

Behind each graduate is a sponsor who chose to invest in their journey, providing consistent support, encouragement, and the resources needed to stay in school and succeed. Thank you for helping them reach the finish line!

Sixth grade Graduation

Students from Mariano Lake celebrated their 6th grade graduations recently. This ceremony allowed parents and students to celebrate their accomplishments and prepare for the upcoming transition for high school.

Feeding Appeal Success

Because of your incredible generosity, our recent appeal for the Feeding Program exceeded our $20,000 goal. We are deeply grateful to each and every one of you. Your compassion and commitment to children in need make this work possible, bringing nourishment, hope, and opportunity to young lives around the world.

Your generosity is helping ensure that more children have access to nutritious meals, giving them the strength to focus in school, stay healthy, and look toward the future with hope. We are so grateful to have you as part of this mission, and we look forward to sharing the impact of your kindness in the months ahead.

End of Year Shopping

Summer shopping was a success for the students at Mariano Lake! ☀️🛒 Before heading into summer break, our coordinator took students on a special shopping trip to make sure they had everything they needed for the months ahead. From essential items to a few fun treats, these students were able to choose things that will help them feel prepared, confident, and excited for summer.

Unsponsored Child Highlight

Caleb* is a sixth-grade student who enjoys exploring technology and is especially talented at editing videos. He loves math, enjoys playing basketball, and dreams of one day becoming an engineer.

His teacher describes him as outgoing, and he enjoys spending time with his family, including his younger sister, Octavia. Whether he’s working on a creative project, cheering on his school’s basketball team, or learning something new, Caleb approaches life with enthusiasm and curiosity.

Caleb is currently waiting for a sponsor. Through sponsorship, children like Caleb receive support for essentials such as clothing, school supplies, and other needs that help them stay focused on learning and reaching their goals.

By becoming Caleb’s sponsor, you can help encourage his education, nurture his interests, and remind him that someone believes in his future.

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How do I sponsor a child with Children Incorporated?

You can sponsor a child in one of three ways:

call our office at 1-800-538-5381 and speak with a real person in our sponsorship department
email us at sponsorship@children-inc.org
go online to our sponsorship portal and search for a child that is available for sponsorship.

SPONSOR A CHILD