Tag Archives: help children

Rachel Luginbuhl |

When a child is sponsored, they can count on consistent support for their most pressing needs. This stability ensures that meals, clothing, and school supplies are not just occasional gifts, but ongoing resources they can rely on. With that security, children are able to focus on their education and personal growth, opening doors to a brighter future.

Spring has Sprung around the world

In the U.S., springtime means spring break, SOLs, final exams, and eager anticipation for summer break.  In India, it means the end of the school year, with students leaving their boarding schools to return home until classes resume in June. In Kenya, springtime means hotter weather and the need for new, seasonal clothing. Regardless of the region, circumstances, or stage of life our enrolled children may find themselves in, we are there to meet their needs!

Through grants from our Hope In Action Fund, students at Dornakal School in India received suitcases to transport their belongings home for school break as well as mosquito nets to help keep them safe there.

 

March marks the beginning of the school year in Brazil, and, thanks to our sponsors’ and donors’ unwavering support, we were able to provide students at Recanto School with new shoes and backpacks to start the year off strong.

 

In Kenya, boys at the Junior School in Dandora received new, weather-appropriate clothing thanks to a sponsor’s generous Community Needs Gift.

Book fair Fever

CI students at John’s Creek Elementary were able to participate in the Book Fair thanks to their CI sponsors! Our coordinator, Anita, snapped photos of the students proudly holding their new books.

Unsponsored Child Highlight

One of our volunteer coordinators sent us a heartfelt appeal for a student who currently needs the benefit of sponsorship:

“Jonathan” is one of our currently unsponsored students but we didn’t want to leave him out of the free book from the book fair this week! He is one of our flood survivors from 2021 & is being raised by a single grandfather along with his older brother who will be graduating high school this year. Jonathan is in 7th grade this year & has recently found his place among the AG students, he is willing to help out anytime that I ever need him as well. He is already part of a weekend food bag program but with sponsorship funds we will be able to help fund some education field trips over the next few years, get some more clothing off his wishlist & hopefully so much more!

Should you be the one to help Jonathan succeed, give us a call at 1-800-538-5381 or send us an email at sponsorship@children-inc.org.

*child’s name is changed for security purposes

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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 |

When a child is sponsored, they can count on consistent support for their most pressing needs. This stability ensures that meals, clothing, and school supplies are not just occasional gifts, but ongoing resources they can rely on. With that security, children are able to focus on their education and personal growth, opening doors to a brighter future.

Thank you from the children

We love seeing our donors’ generosity at work – and wanted to share recent examples of how your monthly contributions improve the lives of the children in our program. While needs vary from region to region and from child to child, the sentiment is always the same: you as a sponsor have the power to change a child’s life.
Thank you for all your kindness to the children we serve!

Positive improvements at Kids Hope Ethiopia

The garden at Kids Hope has received a new planting of sweet potatoes, as well as other vegetables that will grow through the summer for harvest this fall. This project stands as a positive move towards food independence at the school, every year they plant what can be used to directly help feed all the students enrolled. Currently they have begun harvesting their crop of teff flour – a native flour used in many Ethiopian dishes. Your Hope In Action donations go directly to the maintenance and improvements of community gardens, thank you for bringing nutrition and independence to the students at Kids Hope

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We also saw students receiving a distribution of new uniforms as well as hygiene items. We know the gift of sponsorship means students don’t have to worry about these small barriers and can better focus on learning.

update from lebanon

The current unrest in Lebanon has directly affected the schools we are affiliated with in the country. Due to the instability and dangerous nature of travel, all children who were living at the Father Andeweg Institute for the Deaf have been sent home and all children who visit the school on a daily basis have been told not to come. Unfortunately, this means our coordinators do not have consistent communication with the children and their families. We are monitoring the situation and will update as news becomes available. If you are currently sponsoring a child at one of these affiliated sites in Lebanon and have questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to us at sponsorship@children-inc.org or 1-800-538-5381.

unsponsored child highlight

 


Five-year-old Sydney* just began school and couldn’t be more excited to follow in her big sister’s footsteps. Her teacher describes her as funny, energetic, and full of curiosity.

Becoming Sydney’s sponsor means you can help her start this important chapter with confidence and the tools to succeed in school.

*child’s name is changed for security purposes

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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 |

What is energy insecurity?

For many Southern families in the United States, winter brings more than a chill; it brings tough decisions. Energy insecurity (EI), a silent crisis affecting millions nationwide, often signifies an inability to meet heating, cooling, and energy needs. Low-income families, especially in rural areas, often face drafty homes and skyrocketing utility bills that outpace paychecks.

When the cold sets in, some must make heartbreaking “heat or eat” choices, spending what little they have on warmth or on food. In rural regions across Kentucky, West Virginia, and beyond, older homes and limited access to energy assistance leave families vulnerable to another bitter season.

The Impact of Cold Weather on Children

When temperatures drop, the challenge for our enrolled children extends far beyond just a  “chilly morning”. By lacking warm coats, shoes, or clothing, some students must miss school entirely, not by choice, but out of necessity. Missing school deepens existing attendance struggles, especially for children already living in poverty.

Helping provide warm clothing isn’t just about comfort; it’s about keeping children in class, connected, and ready to learn. A warm jacket can mean the difference between isolation and opportunity.

Climate and Inequality: When Weather Hits Harder

Extreme weather magnifies long-standing disparities in high-poverty, Black, and Hispanic neighborhoods, which already face structural barriers. When harsh heat or cold hits, those barriers grow higher, affecting health, school performance, and family stability.

Southern cities like New Orleans may see fewer winter storms than northern states, but when cold snaps hit, they hit hard. Older homes aren’t built to retain heat, and families living on thin margins have few safety nets. Even though New Orleans is in the South and bouts of cold weather are limited, the need for warm clothing is still their greatest need and the area in which our sponsors help children the most.

In the deep rural areas of Appalachia, steep mountain roads become treacherous when ice or snow arrives. When communities are cut off, students lose access not only to school but to the nutritious meals they depend on there. When significant winter weather hits, it is not an easy task to make the roads passable again – which limits the resources available to already struggling families.

Across North Carolina, from urban Raleigh to rural mountain towns, energy insecurity creates a health and learning risk. Studies find that households that must allocate more than a large share of income toward utilities are far more exposed to extreme temperature swings and health risks.

In the inner-city neighborhoods where we work in Washington, D.C., and Richmond, Virginia, winter brings a different kind of strain. Many families live in older buildings with inconsistent heat and rising utility costs. A stretch of freezing temperatures can mean crowded living spaces, missed school days, and parents forced to choose which bill to pay first. For children already navigating economic hardship, winter can interrupt learning, routine, and a sense of security.

How you can help

In times of hardship, whether from a cold snap, a family crisis, or ongoing energy insecurity, children need to know they are not alone. Through funds like Hope In Action and the Clothing Fund, our donors help provide warm coats, hats, gloves, emergency food, and other critical supplies when families need them most.

Working with trusted school partners and local volunteer coordinators who know their communities well, we quickly identify children who are struggling and respond with compassion and care. Your donations and sponsorship support helps them stay warm, stay in school, and stay focused on learning rather than survival.

Harsh winter conditions do not affect every family equally. Some can absorb the shock; others feel every degree of cold intensely. That is why your sponsorship and donations matter. When you give, you help a child stay warm, fed, and present in the classroom, and you invest in their future, building resilience and hope that last long after winter has passed.

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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 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 in that is available for sponsorship.

SPONSOR A CHILD

Rachel Luginbuhl |

When a child is sponsored, they can count on consistent support for their most pressing needs. This stability ensures that meals, clothing, and school supplies are not just occasional gifts, but ongoing resources they can rely on. With that security, children are able to focus on their education and personal growth, opening doors to a brighter future.

COMFORT AT BEDTIME, CONFIDENCE FOR TOMORROW

Since 2008 we have partnered with Beyond Bedtime (formerly known as Pajama Program) to strengthen the lives of children by providing pajamas for their rest and routine – key elements of a child’s physical, emotional, and academic well‐being.

This year, Beyond Bedtime partnered us with a local church, who went above and beyond in ensuring that our sponsored children here in Richmond could receive pajamas. In the past weeks we were able to deliver over 300 pairs of pajamas to location children, including those who do not currently have sponsors and would not have received any assistance otherwise.

This recent pajama delivery is a reminder of what’s possible when organizations come together with a shared purpose. We are thankful for Beyond Bedtime’s continued generosity and commitment to children in need, and we are proud of the impact our collaboration has made, and will continue to make, in the lives of the children we serve.

more than just lunch

At our affiliated site in the Philippines, students at the Fortune Center were given a special treat during their monthly food distribution – a fun meal delivered for lunch! Moments like this provide not just basic needs but a sense of inclusion and normalcy. When we get to see smiles on the faces of our sponsored children, and see them have chances to truly experience positive occasions, it reminds us why sponsorship is so very important. When children feel normal they are able to more positively approach life’s challenges and achieve better academic performance in school.

The importance of food

Students at Gattorno School in Bolivia received some very special food packages this month. Their faces say it all, each smile is brought about because of their amazing sponsors.

unsponsored child highlight

Eithan lives in Puerto Rico and is waiting for his sponsor. Currently in preschool, he loves to read and watch cartoons. His mother is employed, but holds a job that can not support the two of them. A sponsor will mean Eithan has everything he needs including food, clothing, and school supplies, so staying in class will never be a worry.

 

 

 

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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 |

Welcome 2026!

We have had such a wonderful time seeing all the letters, cards, and photos that students sent during the holiday season and throughout the year, and we want to share some of the highlights from 2025.

​In November we sent $25 for every child enrolled in Children Incorporated, in a direct effort to combat the increase in food insecurity. The responses were overwhelming, and the hard work of our volunteer coordinators ensured the resources were used to their fullest potential.

Throughout the year we saw gardens growing, birthdays celebrated, food distributed, and children all around the world being provided with what they need to succeed.

When a child has shoes, food, encouragement, and supplies, they have less barriers, and are better able to thrive at school. It is because of each and every one of you.

Thank you from Children Incorporated, you are changing these children’s lives!

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Josh is still waiting for a sponsor and needs someone to help make his school year a success. He is friendly and happy, and would love to just spend his time outside or helping others. At home with his family he makes sure to keep his room clean, and although he is the youngest of his siblings, Josh makes sure to be as helpful as he can.

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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 |

As 2025 draws to a close, I am writing to you with a heart full of gratitude and a deep sense of commitment. Though I officially stepped into the role of CEO of Children Incorporated in August, I have already been profoundly moved and inspired by the unwavering dedication of our staff, the incredible work happening on the ground through our volunteer coordinators, and, most importantly, your extraordinary generosity.

A Year of Transformative Projects

Your contributions have powered life-changing projects in communities both here in the U.S. and overseas. Here are just a few ways you helped us all make a difference:

  • A New Home for Community in the Philippines: We successfully funded the building of the Visayans Community Center. This new center is now a bustling hub, providing over 250 children and their families a dedicated place to learn, share meals, hold community meetings, and connect with vital resources.
  • Creating Safe and Empowering Spaces:
    • In New Orleans, we helped launch a vital leadership program for eighth-grade girls, helping them build confidence and skills for the future.
    • In Kentucky, we funded the creation of a much-needed “calming space” in an elementary school, offering children a safe haven to process and work through trauma they have experienced.
  • Nourishing Minds and Bodies: Your support led to the distribution of new library books, essential recess equipment, and the creation of multiple community vegetable gardens in both the U.S. and abroad, promoting health and sustainable food access.
  • Opportunity Realized: We purchased team jerseys for a few of our Native American children, ensuring they could join their classmates and play for their school team and not miss out on the opportunity to participate.
  • Fundamental Necessities and Comprehensive Care in Lebanon: Through your generosity, our support extended to the most fundamental necessities: providing hearing aid batteries, food vouchers, educational books, critical psychological care, and reliable transportation for vital medical appointments.
  • Addressing Food Insecurity: Recognizing the critical need, your immediate response enabled us to send over $100,000 of additional assistance to address escalating food insecurity both here in the US and overseas.

The Impact of Sponsorship: Your Hand in Their Story

The cornerstone of our mission is sponsorship, and the ripple effects of these personal connections have been immense this year:

  • Basic Necessities and Rising Attendance: Your sponsorship dollars provided more than 10,000 children with access to basic necessities such as food, clothing, healthcare, and education. School attendance is increasing as a direct result of this assistance.
  • Moments of Joy: We saw the profound excitement of children at the book fair, thrilled to pick out their very own books because their sponsor sent funds for this special opportunity.
  • Moments of Dignity: One of our volunteer coordinators was able to purchase waterless bath wipes for a sponsored child and her sister who do not have running water at home. This practical solution allows them to maintain their hygiene, health, and confidence on the days they cannot travel to a relative’s house to shower.
  • Removing Social Barriers: A near straight-A student was feeling self-conscious about the dirty, peeling tape on his insulin medical sensors. Sponsorship funds purchased specialized waterproof covers, removing a source of embarrassment so he can focus on his education, not his appearance.

Honoring the Past, Building the Future

On a personal note, I was deeply moved by the outpouring of support and congratulations from our sponsors and donors who honored our outgoing CEO, Ron Carter, with generous donations to our Hope In Action Fund. This gesture speaks volumes about the community we have built together.

As I step into this role, I pledge to continue the legacy of service and dedication that Ron established, while looking forward to expanding our reach and deepening our impact in the years to come.

This year has been one of significant milestones, growth, and, above all, impactful change in the lives of children around the world. Every single achievement is a direct result of your trust and support.

Thank you for making 2025 a year of true hope and action. Because of you, children are learning, thriving, and building better futures.

With profound appreciation,

Liz Collins

CEO: Children Incorporated

Considering End of Year Giving?

From our Hope In Action Fund to the Feeding Program to Clothing and Shoes, donations from you provide direct and tangible impact to children around the world. If you are considering giving to a worthy organization by the end of 2025, we hope you consider Children Incorporated. We look forward to seeing what we all can accomplish in the year ahead!

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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