Tag Archives: child poverty

Shelley Callahan | March 3, 2021

We are happy to share with you our Spring 2021 Newsletter, highlighting our work around the world thanks to our sponsors and donors and their generosity and dedication in helping children in need. Enjoy!

Tablets Are Bringing Education to Children Around the World

Many children in our sponsorship program are experiencing exceptional difficulties during the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic, as schools have had to shift to virtual learning. These adjustments have been hard on parents, teachers and children — especially for those students who don’t have the technology they need at home to keep up with their course work.

We are happy to share with you our Spring 2021 Newsletter, highlighting our work around the world thanks to our sponsors and donors and their generosity and dedication in helping children in need. Enjoy!

Thankfully, because of our amazing donors, Children Incorporated has been able to provide tablets to children in our program in Latin America, India, and in the United States over the last few months so that children can continue learning until schools are back to in-person learning in the near future. These tablets will allow students to keep up with their studies and do not have to be returned when classes resume so children can keep learning at home after the pandemic as well!

Bringing Joy to Children During the Holiday Season

Our sponsors and donors are often the only reason children in our program receive holiday gifts, and for that, we are incredibly grateful — especially after an exceptionally difficult year for so many families.

On behalf of all our volunteer coordinators around the world, we would like to share a message from Sandy at Beaver Creek Elementary in Kentucky to express our gratitude for the holiday gifts you provided:

“Thank you for all the support you give our children. You are our backbone. We couldn’t survive without Children Incorporated. Merry Christmas to all Children Incorporated staff and sponsors!”

Our Warm Clothing Fund Brings Smiles to Children in Need

Brain poses for the camera with this new clothes.

Every year, your donations to our Warm Clothing Fund do more than just keep children properly clothed — it also brings immense joy to children who otherwise might never get new winter clothes.

Our volunteer coordinator, Monica, at Gouge Elementary School in North Carolina wrote to us about Brian*, after she provided him with warm clothes, thanks to his sponsor:

“I showed Brian the new clothes I bought him, and he is loving it. He said, ‘I just love clothes!’ And I took the picture in that moment. The mask is hiding his laughter. We both got tickled because he got so much clothes, he couldn’t hold all of it. The socks are in his book bag.

This was definitely the highlight of my week. Thanks to Children Incorporated sponsors for all you do, and for letting me be a part of this!”

*Name changed to protect the child.

An Interview with Board Member, Liz Collins

Our President and Chief Executive Officer, Ron Carter, recently sat down with our Board Chair, Liz Collins, to discuss her long and valuable relationship with Children Incorporated.

RON: Liz, you first became involved with Children Incorporated in 2003 when you accepted a job as a sponsorship coordinator. You later served as Director of Marketing and Development. What are your recollections of your time as an employee of Children Incorporated?

I loved being able to share all of the amazing work that went on in our programs with our donors. As a result of their giving and the tireless efforts of our volunteer coordinators, we changed a lot of lives.

Liz Collins, Board Chair

LIZ: I loved being able to share all of the amazing work that went on in our programs with our donors. As a result of their giving and the tireless efforts of our volunteer coordinators, we changed a lot of lives.

RON: Do you have any special memories of that time?

LIZ: I do. The stories of the children who graduated from high school and went on to college are special to me. I recall one particular story of how we were able to send funds to have a child’s driveway paved so that he could use his wheelchair to get to the bus. Before that, his brother had to carry him down the driveway to the bus each day. I also think about the incredible artwork of Roberto Andrade, one of the children in Latin America who benefitted from our program. There are so many more wonderful memories!

RON: You left Children Incorporated in 2010, shortly after your son, Noah, was born, but I asked you to return to Children Incorporated as Board Member at the start of 2015, and you willingly agreed. Just a few months after you joined, Steve Holton, our then chair, was forced to resign due to health reasons, and you were selected as Board Chair. In your wildest dreams, did you ever see that coming?

LIZ: No! I was truly taken by surprise with the sudden turn of events, but honored and humbled to be able to serve the organization in a new way.

RON: As Board Chair, what are your impressions of Children Incorporated? What are you most proud of? What is it about Children Incorporated that you most value?

LIZ: Children Incorporated might be among the smaller sponsorship organizations, but it is by far the most personable. That’s what I love, and I truly believe our donors and volunteer coordinators value that attribute as well. We’re transparent in our funding, and we’re extremely conscientious about our overhead so that much more of every dollar raised can go to the children, families, and communities we serve.

RON: I agree that our personality as an organization, as well as our transparency, are the keys to our continued success. But I also have to say that we have a wonderful network of volunteer coordinators, and our small but loyal staff really is incredible.

Emily was very excited to receive school supplies thanks to her sponsor.

LIZ: Yes, I agree completely. That old saying “It takes a village” really applies. That is how I see Children Incorporated. The staff, our donors, and the volunteer coordinators, all working together, make it all happen. And, it’s a village I’m very proud to be a part of and to serve in.

Still in Need of Ordinary School Supplies

School closures have meant big changes for families and children in our program, but despite the adjustments that the pandemic required, students still need the most basic items that Children Incorporated has always provided for them.

While many of our sponsored children are learning remotely at home, either partially or wholly, they still need ordinary school supplies, especially the younger ones. Emily*, received a bundle of new supplies at home thanks to her sponsor and promptly wrote to him to say that she loved everything — especially the dry erase board and matching magnets. From her photos, you can see that Emily’s sponsor has made her incredibly happy as she adjusts to home learning!

*Name changed to protect the child.

A Special Thank You to Our Partner, the Jeunesse Kids Foundation

In January 2021, we were approached by the Jeunesse Kids Foundation to participate in a fundraiser they were hosting virtually. Jeunesse Kids is dedicated to creating a positive impact in the lives of children worldwide, and the foundation is funded and supported by a vast community of caring individuals who are passionate about building a better tomorrow for young people in underprivileged communities around the world — which very closely aligns with Children Incorporated’s mission and vision.

We are very proud of you, Kris!

Thanks to the efforts of all of the Juenesse Family, their fundraiser raised over $102,000 for Children Incorporated from donors around the world over the course of a weekend which will go towards purchasing tablets for virtual education children in Peru, Argentina, the Philippines, Kentucky and New Mexico, repairing a greenhouse at the St. Michaels Special Education School in Arizona, and towards expanding on skills training programs at the Montero School in Bolivia. We are incredibly grateful for their support!

From Sponsored Child to Attorney: Our Higher Education Fund at Work

We want to send our congratulations to Kris in Honduras for receiving her University Degree at the end of 2020. Kris has been in our sponsorship program since 1999. Thanks to her sponsor and our Higher Education Fund, she was able to attend school over the last twenty years and now has graduated as an attorney. We are very proud of you, Kris!

A New Roof at the Dandora Center in Kenya

While students were out of school for remote learning, we were able to continue to support our projects thanks to donations to our Hope In Action Fund so administrators could repair buildings in anticipation of the return of students in the near future.

At our affiliated project, the Dandora Center in Nairobi, Kenya, a new roof replaced an old worn one which will protect the children from poor weather and heat when they are back in classrooms.

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Shelley Callahan | February 19, 2021En Español

*Note: This blog was written prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. Although much has changed regarding our sponsored children’s learning experience in the past months, our On the Road stories remain relevant in regards to our volunteer coordinator’s work and the impact of sponsorship on children in our program thanks to our sponsors. We are pleased to continue to share stories with you about our work.

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Located in the heart of Kentucky’s Eastern Coal Region, Letcher County holds the unfortunate distinction of having the second-largest unemployment rate in Kentucky.

“Brittney said there is not a problem with bullying, and all the kids are open, friendly, and accepting of one another — much like the openness that the actual school building offers.”

Coal from this region once fueled factories, powered locomotives, and heated millions of homes. However, the coal industry, which once employed the majority of the area’s workforce, has sharply declined due to automation and the increased use of other fuels.

Lack of employment opportunities has resulted in widespread poverty, along with associated socioeconomic issues such as drug abuse, obesity, and domestic abuse issues. Fortunately, for many impoverished families in this community, West Whitesburg Elementary School offers their children a well-rounded education in a school environment where kids support one another in positive ways.

A different kind of school

“West Whitesburg was built in the late 1960s during the ‘open school’ movement,” explained our Director of U.S. Programs, Renée Kube.

“This meant no walls separated classrooms, with the idea that students would learn creatively, and teachers would collaborate. Whereas most open schools are very loud and noisy, West Whitesburg is not. Partitions were put up many years ago, and teachers work especially hard here on ‘indoor voices versus outdoor voices.”

West Whitesburg Elementary School serves 390 children in grades pre-kindergarten through 5th.

The school has an open layout, which is not very typical of public schools in the U.S.

The school itself shares its grounds with Whitesburg Middle School. The two schools abut one another and have separate entrances, administration, faculty, and staff.

Learning more from Britteny

While visiting the school, our U.S. Director of Programs, Renée Kube, met with the Family Resource Youth Services Center Coordinator, Britteny, and her assistant, Donna. Together, they also run our sponsorship program.

During their meeting, Renée had a chance to ask Britteny more about the students in attendance at this very different kind of school.

“When I asked about the school’s culture and dynamics, Brittney’s face lit up. The population is mixed between some of the more well-to-do families, middle-income families, and those who live in the public housing complex across from the school,” said Renée.

“Brittney said there is not a problem with bullying, and all the kids are open, friendly, and accepting of one another — much like the openness that the actual school building offers.”

***

How do I sponsor a child in Kentucky?

You can sponsor a child in Kentucky 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.

SPONSOR A CHILD

Children Incorporated | February 10, 2021

Dear Friends,

One of the most asked questions for the staff of Children Incorporated is,“How can so little do so much?” People truly want to know how their dollars can change the lives of the children they sponsor.

I would like to share a few stories from our volunteer coordinators about how your donations are bringing joy to children and their families during some of the most difficult times of their lives.

For us, that answer is simple. For decades, our wonderful volunteer coordinators have shared incredible stories of how your donations can have life-changing effects on children in our programs. From offering children a pair of socks and clean underwear, or perhaps providing them with a new pair of shoes, to purchasing simple school supplies such as paper and pencils, Children Incorporated is there. From helping families have nutritious meals on their tables every day to providing them with special Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners, Children Incorporated meets a vast array of needs. More often than not, the little amounts — those that may seem insignificant to many — can make the biggest difference, for collectively, they add up and allow us to provide services that change the lives of children and families in ways they will never forget.

I would like to share a few stories from our volunteer coordinators about how your donations are bringing joy to children and their families during some of the most difficult times of their lives.

“Because of your financial support we have been able to purchase clothes, backpacks, supplies for the entire school year, toiletries, books for the children to take home, as well as special gifts for birthdays and different holidays throughout the year. It is so exciting and rewarding to see the students when they are called to the office to receive their items. It is also exciting to see the students with their smiling faces as they come in the school with their new outfits on, and they make sure to come by to show us. We were also able to supply families with a nice gift basket of a country ham, biscuit mix, jams and jellies, and candies for the students and their families to enjoy over the winter break. We also purchased much needed hygiene and toiletry items such as shampoo, deodorant, toothbrushes and toothpaste. As the families came by the office to pick up the baskets, they expressed their sincere gratitude. ”

Mandy
Sparta Elementary School

“I would like to first of all say ‘Thank You’ to all of you, our sponsors. Without you, there would not be this wonderful program. This is a program that changes lives, and I am truly thankful to be a small part. The benefits that Children Incorporated brings to my small hometown is truly a huge blessing.

As you can see, small, as well as large, amounts matter. Please, will you consider contributing to our Shared Hope Fund?

The sponsors’ selfless monthly donations help to build young children with positive self-esteem and self-worth. Thank you, sponsors, for faithfully sending your generous donations for these deserving youth. You are helping build a confident child who is more prepared to face life’s challenges. Sponsor donations help provide academic resources that are necessary to a child’s learning. You provide them with school supplies to help them learn in today’s competitive curriculum. Sponsor donations also provide clothing and health items that most often take for granted. You provide warm socks and sturdy shoes, under garments and outerwear. You also provide new, stylish clothes and book bags so the child can be confident heading out to school each day. You help promote good attendance.

As an educator, I have actually been told that a parent kept a child home from school because they didn’t have clean clothes to send the child in on that day. You provide a helping hand for struggling families. Because of your thoughtfulness, children do not have to suffer due to a family’s economic situation. All families you serve here at Dunlow Elementary are thankful and grateful for your donations.”

Tracy
Dunlow Elementary School

These are just two of the many stories we receive from our volunteer coordinators each year; testimonials of the effectiveness and impact of your generosity in supporting our work. As you can see, small, as well as large, amounts matter. Please, will you consider contributing to our Shared Hope Fund? Your gift will allow us to purchase much needed, often life-changing items for children who are currently enrolled and awaiting individual sponsors of their own. A few dollars can make a world of difference.

From the heart,
Ronald H. Carter
President and Chief Executive Officer
Children Incorporated

DONATE

Shelley Callahan | January 22, 2021En Español

Although in-person meetings with our volunteer coordinators were halted due to COVID-19, our amazing staff made sure they were still able to check in with our projects around the world to ensure children in our program continued to receive the care and support they needed.

Today, hear from U.S. Sponsorship Specialist, Shelley Oxenham, about her virtual meetings with coordinators in Kentucky and how your support has made an impact through the pandemic.

Although in-person meetings with our volunteer coordinators were halted due to COVID-19, our amazing staff made sure they were still able to check in with our projects around the world to ensure children in our program continued to receive the care and support they needed.

Louisa Elementary School

“I met with our volunteer coordinator, Jessica, who told me that the school closures and quarantine have been damaging to local small businesses and to employment numbers in Louisa County.

The majority of the jobs in the county are through the healthcare system or the school system. Many healthcare workers in the area have been furloughed since March because elective surgeries and procedures have been postponed for the time being. Recently there were five job openings at a regional medical center and over 160 applicants.

Most students at Louisa Elementary have internet connections in their homes. There are only about 5-8 families that do not. These students are given a new jump drive each week with their school work loaded onto it. A school staff member has trained the students and parents on how to use the jump drive.

Families who want to meet with the coordinator have to call and make an appointment to come up to the school. Jessica is also doing a lot of home visits to make sure the kids are doing OK with their school work and to make sure they have what they need like food, hygiene items, warm clothes, and whatever else may come up.”

Lawrence County High and Louisa Middle Schools

“I spoke with Anne and Luann who co-coordinate the two schools. They are staying positive that school will resume in-person soon and families will be able to choose as to send their children or keep them at home. So far approximately 60% of the middle school parents want their kids back in school and about 50% of the high school parents.

Shelley was able to host virtual meetings with our volunteer coordinators since in-person meeting were not an option during the pandemic.

Until then, Anne and Luann’s day-to-day routine looks different than it used to without the students roaming the halls. The have been helping prepare the daily food service for their schools. The bus drivers deliver food to the children’s homes each day, giving faculty touchpoints with the families, which is a very important contact with the outside world because some kids haven’t left their home since March.

They will soon begin to do home visits to students themselves. This will also be an important touchpoint to check on the welfare of the students and to evaluate their needs. Some of the families have been calling in with needs, and Anne and Luann are quick to help.

There are not many active COVID-19 cases in the county as far as Luann and Anne know. However, the response to the virus in the area has affected the local community. Many businesses have shortened their hours creating less work time for employees. Others have shut down and employees have been furloughed.

The local hospital had to file bankruptcy because they were unable to do surgeries for the first few months of the pandemic. As far the parents of Children Incorporated sponsored children, most were unemployed before the pandemic and they continue to be. This is why the program is so important for these families.

Luann and Anne have witnessed the mental and emotional aspect of the kids during the pandemic. They are seeing a lot more anxiety and depression. Even the kids who get out on family outings are struggling. Needless to say, those who are not getting out are really struggling. They hope that school will resume, at least to give it a chance and give the students a sense of normalcy.”

Fallsburg Elementary School

“I spoke with our coordinator, Brenda, about the students and families she serves and how they are coping with the pandemic.

She said her families have experienced a lot of food insecurity during the virus. They have a food bank in the community that serves about 225 people every couple of weeks. Many of the families they are serving are experiencing food insecurity for the first time. These are mostly families who have lost an income due to closures caused by the pandemic. Fortunately, the school has also started the weekly meal delivery to the homes. These meals are delivered to each and every student whether it is needed or not.

“The kids are adjusting to the changes at different levels; some ok and others not. A lot of families do not have the internet because it is not available where they live.”

Brenda’s biggest concern is the mental health and wellbeing of the students. There is a lot of neglect, abuse and/or drug activity in some of the homes. Often a big brother or big sister is in charge of caring for younger siblings throughout the day and night, putting a lot of pressure and stress on them every day of the week. The school is a safety net for these children during the school week. A second grade teacher said she is witnessing her students have anxiety from having to sit still in front of a screen for hours in a row — it’s been really tough on the kids.

Brenda is keeping in touch with her families and checking on their needs by doing porch visits and scheduling meetings with families in the school parking lot. She said phone calls are not an effective method to root out needs; it’s better to see them face to face. Brenda uses Children Incorporated funds to purchase items these families need.

The pandemic has majorly affected funding for the drug rehab facilities and housing units in the area. Prior to the pandemic, residents of the group homes were given paid job training and leadership opportunities. When the budget was cut, these programs were no longer able to operate. Residents lost their incomes as well as their stability and many ended up back on drugs. This has been a very sad and unfortunate repercussion of the pandemic.”

Inez Elementary School

Thankfully, our coordinators are able to conduct home visits to bring our sponsored children supplies while they are out of school.

“I spoke via Facetime with our coordinator, Andrea, and asked her how COVID-19 is affecting her students and families. Andrea explained that the kids with parents who are involved in their school life and school work are doing OK. These parents are keeping their kids busy and on a schedule. Many have taken day trips or have planned activities. They make sure their kids are up in time for virtual learning and are doing their school work, and they are helping them with their schoolwork when necessary.

For other kids it is a huge step back. Many haven’t left home in months. There is no schedule; they’re staying up late and sleeping until mid-afternoon. Routines have been lost. Hygiene is a low priority. At school the teachers and staff could monitor hygiene and health. There has always been a problem with lice and hair care and this was monitored and treated at school. Now children are living with lice and their hair is matted. Food has become an issue; with children home 24/7 they are eating a lot and many families can’t afford this.

Without the busy, bustling school day, Andrea often doesn’t know how to start her day. She is ready to get into more of a routine. She is planning to do ten home visits a week, if possible, to check on her families and their needs. Many families contact her when there is a need but many do not. During each visit she plans to distribute a hygiene package.

Eden Elementary School

“I spoke with our coordinators, Marlena and Barb, via Facetime. I asked them how things were going for their students and families.

“Children Incorporated funds were very important once school closed down in mid-March. The meal buses were not taking food to the homes at that time and the supplemental income from the government had not begun so the coordinators used the money to buy food and cleaning supplies for the families.”

They told me that families in the area were handling shutdowns well and making adjustments. They said that up until the end of August the families who were living on unemployment and food stamps were actually doing OK because of the supplemental funding from the government. This funding has recently ended, and they expect these families will begin to contact the resource center for help with things like food and other basic necessities.

The kids are adjusting to the changes at different levels; some OK and others not. A lot of families do not have the internet because it is not available where they live. The school is putting lessons on flash drives which can be uploaded onto a Chromebook. The buses deliver the lessons each week. The buses also take food to the homes which is a great way to keep students and parents on a schedule and a great welfare check.

Children Incorporated funds were very important once school closed down in mid-March. The meal buses were not taking food to the homes at that time and the supplemental income from the government had not begun so the coordinators used the money to buy food and cleaning supplies for the families. Over the summer the gardening project funded by Children Incorporated was so important to the families because it gave them something to do, something to learn and provided supplemental fruits and vegetables for their pantries.”

Martin County High School

Thanks to our sponsors, kids have been provided for through school closures since last March.

“I had a Facetime meeting with Kara Beth at Martin County High School. She had just started the Youth Service Center position at the high school the day before. I asked her how her families are doing and she said most families are just rolling with it like everyone else. Kara Beth said this is a small-town community with not a lot going on anyway so the difference between now and a year ago is small other than the fact that kids can’t go to school.

She said they all feared that the families were going hungry or struggling in other ways but they were surprised it was better than they thought. If anything, the school work is the biggest struggle for these families and their children. The work is getting harder as the days go on and kids are having a hard time staying on top of it and remaining self-motivated.”

Warfield Elementary School

“I spoke with Amanda who told me that Martin County schools will begin hybrid learning; families have a choice between in-school learning or virtual learning.

Most families at Warfield have chosen to send their kids to school, especially after experiencing the small dose of virtual learning they’ve had since the start of the school year. Amanda is looking forward to when the kids return; she said the empty school building is just weird and lonely. She misses kids coming in and out of her office all day wanting to talk or needing something. Once the students return, if the school grows in COVID-19 cases, they will go back to all virtual learning. As of now, the cases in the area remain low but are projected to grow.

Amanda said most of the students have handled all of the changes OK. The kids are antsy but they’ve been rolling with it. School lessons aren’t live; the kids can do their assignments any time of day and the teachers are available during school hours for assisting students. This helps parents who work during the day to help their kids in the evenings with school work.

The impact of the virus on jobs has been felt across the community. There is a modular tiny-home/cabin factory in Inez which is adjacent to Warfield (same county) and they have furloughed all 180 employees. A lot of families drive to Pritchard, West Virginia to work at a parts factory — this is an hour drive each way.

Amanda plans to continue with her routine of shopping herself for our sponsored children instead of asking families to meet her at Walmart. She calls the parents to see what the kids need and then she goes to Walmart and shop for them and then delivers the items herself.”

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HOW DO I SPONSOR A CHILD?

You can sponsor a child with Children Incorporated 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; or go online to our sponsorship portal, create an account, and search for a child that is available for sponsorship.

SPONSOR A CHILD

Shelley Callahan | January 12, 2021En Español

When Norah Quinn McCormick reached out to us in the New Year about sponsoring a child, she told us a heartfelt story about how her grandmother first got involved with our work many years ago, largely due to the fact that she grew up in Appalachia and “never forgot where she came from,” and why now Norah wants to carry on the legacy of helping children in need.

To hear more about Norah’s story, we hosted a virtual interview with Norah in which we found out about her, her grandmother, and how they both came to believe in the power of sponsorship.

To hear more about Norah’s story, we hosted a virtual interview with her in which we found out about Norah, her grandmother, and how they both came to believe in the power of sponsorship.

SC: Where do you live and what do you do for work?

NM: I live in Washington, D.C. and work as a fundraiser for the College of Arts and Humanities at the University of Maryland.

SC: How did you first find out about Children Incorporated?

NM: My Granny, Bonnie Hobbs Barron, sponsored children for as long as I can remember. I used to see pictures of sponsored children on her refrigerator. I also remember my mom sponsoring a child shortly after my Granny passed away.

SC: Can you tell us more about your grandmother?

Norah’s grandmother, Bonnie Hobbs Barron

NM: My Granny, Bonnie Hobbs Barron, was born near Big Stone Gap in Wise County, Virginia in 1916. She grew up in a one-room log cabin without plumbing or electricity. As a child, she owned only one dress and one pair of shoes, and occasionally had to offer labor in exchange for food. Her father passed away when she was 6, and she often had to take care of her two younger siblings. She was orphaned by the age of 15, and unable to finish high school until the age of 21.

After high school, she worked as a housekeeper and caregiver for a family in Norton, until she married my grandfather in 1941. My grandfather benefitted from his participation in the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), as well as through military service, and had a job opportunity in Washington, D.C. They relocated and eventually settled in Mount Rainier, Maryland, where they raised five children. My Granny lived to be 89 years old and passed away in 2006. However, she never forgot where she came from in Appalachia.

SC: It sounds like your grandmother had a great understanding of the poverty that people often face in Appalachia from her time there – how did that shape her life?

NM: My Granny had a personal understanding of poverty, and as a result she never took anything for granted. Despite all the hardships she faced, she counted her blessings every day. I never knew my Granny to show bitterness over her circumstances, and she often expressed gratitude to have another day of life ahead of her.

I think her impoverished childhood inspired her to provide as many opportunities as she could for her own children. She worked very hard to take care of her family, and was proud of everything that her children and grandchildren accomplished. My Granny also had a strong faith, and believed in helping others. She was always willing to give to people in need, perhaps in part because she knew what it was like to live without.

SC: What about sponsoring a child was important for your grandmother — and now for you?

NM: Unfortunately, I was never able to ask my Granny why sponsoring a child was important for her. However, since she personally knew the challenges of growing up impoverished in Appalachia, I have to imagine she wanted to provide opportunities for children in similar circumstances. She knew how difficult her own childhood was, and she likely wanted to help create a bright future for other children in need.

I would encourage future sponsors to consider everything they have in their own life. Who and what helped get you to where you are today?

As for me, I have been reflecting on my own philanthropic priorities as we begin 2021. So many people struggle for basic necessities — food, clothing, shelter, access to education, employment, and healthcare. While this is true across the United States and internationally, my family has a personal connection to the poverty that people face in Appalachia. I hope to give back to impoverished children in Appalachia, so they can lead healthy and fulfilling lives without the burden of struggling to meet basic needs.

SC: As a sponsor, what would you say to someone who was considering sponsoring a child?

NM: I would encourage a future sponsor to consider everything you have in your own life. Who and what helped get you to where you are today? Not everyone is as fortunate to be granted basic resources to lead a healthy and fulfilling life. You have an opportunity to give back, and to help make a difference in the lives of others.

Philanthropy translates roughly to “love of humankind,” and it can be expressed through sharing time, talent, and treasure with others. If you have the financial resources to sponsor a child, you will be supporting a child’s basic needs while expressing your love for humankind. The children of this world need our love, care, and commitment, perhaps now more than ever.

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HOW DO I SPONSOR A CHILD?

SPONSOR A CHILD

Shelley Callahan | December 27, 2020En Español

As a very difficult year comes to an end, we couldn’t be more grateful to our amazing sponsors and donors who ensure that children in our program continued to be supported through school closures as their families struggled to make ends meet during a global pandemic. It is not a simple task to put into words what your support does for children in our program, so we want to share with you success stories sent to us by our volunteer coordinators as our way of saying “Thank You” for everything you do for children in need.

As a very difficult year comes to an end, we couldn’t be more grateful to our amazing sponsors and donors who ensure that children in our program continued to be supported through school closures as their families struggled to make ends meet during a global pandemic.

A Letter from Marlena

Another year has come and gone once again, and this year has been a little bittersweet due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but it did not stop us from providing our kids with all their everyday needs. As always to say that Children’s Incorporated is a wonderful program is an understatement! There are many children who rely on the sponsorship program for things like food, clothing, shoes, school supplies and hygiene products.

This year, with all the generous donations from sponsors, we were able to allow several of our families to shop for food and everyday supplies like toilet paper, laundry detergent and cleaning supplies. We were also able to provide a family with a new washer and dryer from the Children Incorporated Hope In Action Fund as well as regular sponsorship funding. The grandmother was more than thankful and very appreciative. She and the grandfather are raising five of their grandkids which they have adopted. If not for Children Incorporated, this grandma would still be washing all their clothing out on her hands and hanging them dry.

The Hope In Action funding that we so graciously received has been so wonderful and so helpful to so many of our kids and their families. Not only were we able to purchase the washer and dryer, but we were also able to provide a great aunt with some new bedding for two of her great-nephews who she recently received guardianship of.

Thanks to our donors, children around the world have received food and hygiene items during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Family Resource Center has also been able to use some of the funds to help buy supplies for “Grandparents as Parents” meetings. These meetings are not only for the grandparents, but also for other family members that are raising children such as their nieces, nephews, and even younger siblings. During these classes, we offer several activities, such as information on eating healthy, gardening and supplies, and how to preserve food. We have also had guest speakers that have come in and taught some of the guardians how to access Infinite Campus which provides them with their child’s grades and tells them if the child is missing any assignments as well as the scores that they receive. So, thank you so much Children Incorporated for all that you do. Your organization is truly a blessing to so many!

Michelle’s story

What a crazy year 2020 has been for all of us! I would have never predicted that when we all celebrated at New Year’s that we would be facing some of the things we have faced. I have been very proud of the actions taken by so many to protect our students and staff and to help out our struggling families. Our district has been wonderful! The kids, even though doing their schoolwork at home, have continued to receive daily meals thanks to our school lunchroom staff and to our wonderful bus drivers. Teachers and other school personnel have gone on meal runs to help check on students at home and to support them through this challenging time. We as a staff have also made calls daily to check on students and make sure their needs were being met. It has been awesome to watch everyone working together.

Thanks so much again sponsors and Children Incorporated staff. Please have a safe and healthy New Year and know how much your efforts are needed and appreciated.

The support we have received also as part of the Children Incorporated program has once again played a critical role in the lives of our students and families. This year, we have sponsored seven children and helped make their lives a little brighter. Most of the funding we have received has helped with basic necessities such as clothing, personal hygiene needs and school supplies. Our students were also able to continue to be a part of our yearly book fair thanks to their sponsors.

I hope that through the trying times we have all found that spirit within that helps us to keep on going and to appreciate the things and people around us in a whole new way. We are so thankful to continue to be a part of this wonderful program and hope that this collaboration can go on for many years to come.

Thanks so much again sponsors and Children Incorporated staff. Please have a safe and healthy New Year and know how much your efforts are needed and appreciated.

Monica’s Thank You

There is a special story I want to share with you about a second-grade boy in the Children Incorporated program. This young boy’s life is nothing like what we consider normal. One day he spent a little extra time with me in my office. About a week before this I had given him some outfits that the sponsor had given extra money for him to have.

He and I were chatting, and I asked if he could sit down and write his sponsor a thank you letter for the items he received. His face lit up like a Christmas tree just beaming about his brand new clothes. Of course, that made my heart melt. We spent a little too much time talking so our time was cut short before he could start the card. He went back to class and a few hours later he came back in; his eyes were glowing and he had a big smile on his face. He reached from behind his back as if he was getting ready to give me a present. And boy did he ever! He had made a thank you note for his Children Incorporated sponsor during his free time that day. The sponsor made him feel so special that he wanted to do this of his own free will. That may not sound like much, but it meant the world to me because I knew those clothes had meant the world to him.

These children all light up when they get the nice, new things made possible by their sponsors. Thank you very much for giving the world to these children. You, our sponsors, are considered heroes. I am honored to be a part of this program.

Mandy sends her gratitude

Thousands of children around the world have benefited from sponsorship in 2020 because of our amazing sponsors.

I am so pleased to tell you that we have 97 students with sponsors on the Children Incorporated program. Thank you! Because of your financial support we have been able to purchase clothes in the fall and spring, backpacks, supplies for the entire school year, toiletries, books for home, as well as, “special gifts” for birthdays and different holidays throughout the year. It is so exciting and rewarding to see the students when they are called to the office to receive their items.

It is also exciting to see the students with their smiling faces as they come into the school with their new outfits on, and they make sure to come by to show us. We were also able to supply families with a nice gift basket of country ham, biscuit mix, jams/jellies and candies for the students and their families to enjoy over the winter break. The families came by the office to pick up the baskets and they expressed their sincere gratitude. We also purchased much-needed hygiene and toiletry items such as shampoo, deodorant, toothbrushes and toothpaste.

We are fortunate to have caring sponsors who correspond with the students in a positive and meaningful way. Some of the sponsors write letters, send coloring sheets/stickers, small gifts in cards and mailed in packages. The kids get very excited when they receive mail from their sponsors!

We will have to wait and see how things progress with the COVID-19 crisis. We are remotely monitoring the needs of the students at this time. We thank you for continuing your support during this difficult time for everyone.

Thank you to our Children Incorporated sponsors for taking care of our students’ needs!

Tracy’s story

In early January, I was informed that a family in the community lost their home and all of its contents to a house fire. Thankfully, everyone managed to make it out safely. I made a call to Renée Kube, Children Incorporated’s Director of U.S. Programs, to ask if there was anything that they could do to help the family. She quickly responded and said that she would send us funds from the Hope In Action Fund to help the family with food, clothing and household necessities.

We are fortunate to have caring sponsors who correspond with the students in a positive and meaningful way.

When I told the family this, they couldn’t believe the generosity of this program. I met them at Walmart to purchase some items that they needed right away. They asked if we could spend the rest of the money later when they had their new home and ready to move in, and Renée confirmed that that would be just fine.

A few weeks after moving into their new home, I was able to meet the parents, Paul and Karen, at Walmart to purchase a mattress, bedding items, towels, clothing, shoes, food and household items. At the checkout, Karen had tears in her eyes; she couldn’t believe that this program cared so much for her children and her family. This was certainly a success story with a happy ending.

Sharon’s shares her thoughts

The subsidies from Children Incorporated has made positive impacts on so many of our students. They come to school with new clothes and shoes and have pretty backpacks full of supplies like all the other students. It is amazing what a little extra money can do for a child’s self-esteem.

There are so many wonderful stories about Children Incorporated sponsored kids that it is difficult to pick one out to spotlight. Brian* lives with his mom and dad and his new little brother. Dad works and mom stays home with the baby and takes care of Brian when he comes home from school. They live in subsidized housing, but I was still surprised at the cost of their rent. Children Incorporated subsidy has allowed me to help this family with basic needs for Brian and the family. I have also helped with food on many occasions. This family is very community-oriented and very involved in his education. They come to all school activities, and Brian even joined a basketball league.

Another family had one sponsored child and another unsponsored. These girls are in a single mother household that also lives in subsidized housing. With the extra money, I was able to purchase the unsponsored child items as I did for the sponsored child. Mom is now working and has purchased a car. Another family has been taken off the Children Incorporated program because we felt the family was no longer in need of the services. It is a pleasure watching these families grow and become more self-sufficent and need less and less of my help.

*Name changed to protect the child.

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How can I sponsor a child with Children Incorporated?

You can sponsor a child with Children Incorporated 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; or go online to our donation portal, create an account, and search for a child that is available for sponsorship.

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