Tag Archives: help children in need

Shelley Callahan | October 31, 2022En Español

Today we hear from Katalina, who writes to us from Richmond, Virginia, about how simple gifts are making a huge impact on children in our program.

Understanding Cardinal Elementary School

“The Children Incorporated program has been so incredibly helpful in assisting the children this year with their needs here at Cardinal Elementary School.”

“What has also made an impact are the extra gifts that were sometimes sent for either Christmas or a child’s birthday. With those gifts, I made sure to find out what the child wanted to make it extra special for them.”

“Cardinal Elementary School is a Title I school, meaning that most of the children attending are from low-income families; as a result, the entire school receives free breakfast and lunch. With most children at Cardinal coming from families that struggle financially, the ability to assist them with clothing and other needs throughout the year has been a huge help for the families.”

“Through their generous sponsors, children were assisted with clothing, shoes and even toiletry items. This was especially helpful during the winter months. Through these donations, the children were provided with warmer clothing to protect them from the colder temperatures that we get here in Richmond. What is especially heartwarming is that it’s not just the parents that are grateful, but the children as well.”

Helping Marcus and Katie

“What has also made an impact are the extra gifts that were sometimes sent for either Christmas or a child’s birthday. With those gifts, I made sure to find out what the child wanted to make it extra special for them.”

“Marcus* is a 1^st grader here at Cardinal and is everything that you would expect from a seven-year-old. He is sweet, funny, playful and loves dinosaurs. For Christmas, his sponsor sent a special donation, and I was able to purchase him a dinosaur toy. His mom allowed him to receive this before the holiday, and I was able to witness his face when I stopped by their home to drop off the gift. His face lit up instantly, and he was so excited.”

“Katie* is a 5^th grader here at Cardinal. She is hardworking and incredibly sweet. She is beyond grateful to her sponsors. In the fall, money was used to purchase her some clothes and boots for the winter, and the gratefulness she displayed was beyond her years. Her sponsor sent some extra funds for Christmas and then a few months later for her birthday.”

Cardinal Elementary’s newer school buildings offer students a modern and beautiful place to receive an education and additional support.

“Both times, I met with Katie to see what she would like, and her response was always ‘nothing too expensive.’ She is very conscious of price and doesn’t want to ask for too much. For her birthday, I brought her into my office, and we shopped together on Target’s website for some shoes and a jean jacket (she also needed a lighter jacket for the spring). When we found a jacket for $32, she started saying it was too expensive and that she did not need to get that one.”

Making the impossible possible

“I had to remind her that this was her birthday gift and that it was meant for her to choose what she wanted. When the jacket and shoes arrived, she immediately changed into them, and her joy at these simple things was just so heartwarming. Allowing her the opportunity to choose things for herself is something that is not always possible to do with her family’s means, and this program is doing so much to provide for a child that is just so giving and sweet with those around her.”

“These are just two of the children who are assisted by the program, and I think it so clearly shows the impact that the program has. Through the program, the children are given things that may seem simple to some but makes a world of difference in the life of a child.”

“In a much bigger way, the program allows the children to feel that they matter and that people care about their well-being and their day to day lives.”

“Having clothes that fit properly and are in good condition allow a child to better fit in with their peers and protects them from being cold or even too warm depending on the weather. It allows the child to not be an easy target for any other children to point out or make fun of, as children can sometimes do. Providing a child with something as simple as a birthday or Christmas gift, again seems simple, but these simple childhood pleasures that we often take for granted can make a huge impact. It allows the children to feel seen and cared for by their community.”

“Children Incorporated helps connect donors with children in need. In a practical way, the program helps to provide the children with physical needs that may be obstacles to coming to school on a regular basis. However, in a much bigger way, the program allows the children to feel that they matter and that people care about their well-being and their day to day lives.”

*Names changed to protect the children.

***

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 that is available for sponsorship.

SPONSOR A CHILD

Shelley Callahan | October 30, 2022En Español

As a sponsor or donor with Children Incorporated, it is likely that at some time you have communicated with our Sponsorship Director, Steve Mitchell, whether by email, on the phone, or even by mail.

Steve is an incredibly dedicated member of the Children Incorporated family, who plays a crucial role in making sure our sponsors feel a personal connection to our organization and the children they support.

“It’s been a great ride along the way for almost 24 years, and I have had the honor of working with some of the best, good-hearted people along the way.”

-Steve Mitchell

I spoke with Steve recently to ask him a few questions about his time with our organization to shed some light on this special person, and to show just how much he does for Children Incorporated, our staff, and our supporters beyond his role as Director.

SC: When did you first start at Children Incorporated?

SM: I started working at Children Incorporated on May 7, 1999.

SC: What was your first role with the organization?

SM: Mrs. Wood, the founder for Children Incorporated, interviewed me and hired me the same day. I was shocked and grateful since I had four children and needed the work. I was told that I would be working in the mail and filing department.

SC: How has that role changed over time?

SM: Wow, my duties and job assignments have certainly changed over the years. After working a couple of years in the mail and filing department, I then had the privilege of working with Mrs. Renée Kube in the Appalachian region and then moving into the position of manager of the Native American division. After several years, I was asked to be the sponsorship manager for the international division of Children Incorporated.

My most recent change was in December 2019 when our caring president, Mr. Ron Carter, asked if I would oversee the entire USA and International sponsorship department as Sponsorship Director when my colleague, Mr. Chuck Smith, moved into retirement. So, yes, it’s been a great ride for almost 24 years, and I have had the honor of working with some of the best, good-hearted people along the way.

SC: What is a day in the office like for you?

Upon completion of of our newly renovated office, our staff dedicated the building to Steve thanks to all his hard work.

SM: A day in the office….honestly, it changes constantly. Since I also oversee the maintenance and oversight of our office building, sometimes I may be investigating why the phone system isn’t working to shoveling snow in the winter months off the front steps and walkway. However, a “typical” day would be addressing the emails from the sponsors and donors along with assisting with any issues the sponsorship team members may bring to my attention. Time flies when you’re having fun!

SC: What is the most rewarding aspect of working with Children Incorporated?

SM: There are several, but I would have to say when we purchased our current location right outside of Richmond, Virginia. With the good leadership of our president securing a great price for the building, we then had the daunting task of renovating the almost 6,000 sq. ft. building with three floors.

Our deadline was just under three months and with the help of all staff pulling carpets to painting walls, along with hiring a few needed contractors for the larger tasks such as replacing the worn-out HVAC systems, we met our goal and moved in on time. It was a great achievement for all the staff. It was rewarding indeed.

SC: What is one of the most challenging parts of your job?

SM: Probably having to handle some of the building maintenance work. Finding a loose wire in a wall can be difficult, but we work through this as well. I have a great counterpart, Mr. Chuck Smith, who assists me as we tackle these issues.

SC: What is one of your fondest memories of your time with the organization?

SM: When I look back, I still remember having some really great conversations and hearty laughs with our founder, Mrs. Wood. I still miss talking with her and learning from her. Another incredible person I had the privilege of learning from and getting to know.

SC: What do you enjoy doing when you are not at the office?

SM: That’s an easy one. Enjoying time with my wife and family. I also really enjoy traveling with my dear wife of 35 years. We love seeing the world and finding new places to visit. The world is a great place to see with the ones you love!

***

How do 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 sponsorship portal, create an account, and search for a child that is available for sponsorship.

SPONSOR A CHILD

Shelley Callahan | October 29, 2022En Español

For nearly 60 years, Children Incorporated has provided basic essentials to children living in poverty, including much-needed clothes, shoes, and other clothing items that help ensure they can go to school properly dressed and prepared for the day.

Thank you for all you do to keep children warm and comfortable throughout the year!

It is incredible how often we hear from our volunteer coordinators about how a new outfit or a new pair of shoes or a new winter coat drastically changed the life of a child in their school or affiliated site.

For some, a pair of shoes is the difference between attending school or staying home. For others, new clothes means that a child living in poverty, who might otherwise only wear hand-me-downs or older, worn clothing, gets to fit in with their classmates and doesn’t have to worry about being teased or distracted in class by feeling like an outsider. Just as much as these items physically allow students to go to school, they also support children’s mental and emotional needs.

Combining two funds to make one special fund

In the past, we have supported children in our program with immediate clothes, shoes and winter clothing needs through two Special Funds: Our Warm Clothing Fund and our Shoes and Socks Fund. Both funds are and continue to be of great importance, and for that very reason, we have decided to combine them into one fund — our new Clothing and Shoes Fund.

As always, donations to our Clothing and Shoes Fund will provide children with warm hats, coats, boots, scarfs and gloves during the winter months, as well as sturdy shoes and cozy socks for children in our program — all thanks to your generous and thoughtful monetary gifts — and we will continue to bring you Stories of Hope about how your donations to this Special Fund are changing the lives of children who need your support the most.

Thank you for all you do to keep children warm and comfortable throughout the year!

***

How do I donate to the ClothING and Shoes Fund?

You can donate to our Clothing and Shoes Fund 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 make a donation.

DONATE TODAY

Children Incorporated | October 27, 2022

Nestled in northern Central America, Honduras was once home to several Mesoamerican peoples — most notably the Maya. This ecologically diverse land — with its rainforests, cloud forests, savannas, mountain ranges, and barrier reef system off the northern coast — teems with life. Its wealth of natural resources is equally impressive, including a variety of minable minerals and agricultural exports such as coffee, tropical fruit, sugar cane, and lumber.

In Honduras, children’s very lives and futures are at risk, as they struggle with poverty and a lack of educational resources.

Moreover, its growing textiles industry serves an international market. The nation’s wealth of natural beauty and resources,
however, belies the dire poverty in which its people live. In fact, Honduras holds the unfortunate distinction of being one of the poorest nations in Latin America. This is due in part to its longstanding political instability, social strife, and economic issues that includes fluctuating export prices, rising inflation, and unemployment. Other contributing factors include frequent natural disasters such as hurricanes, earthquakes, and flooding, as well as widespread poverty, disease, and inadequate education, which results in a high rate of illiteracy.

Challenges for Children in Honduras

In Honduras, children’s very lives and futures are at risk, as they struggle with poverty and a lack of educational resources. Right now, children in Honduras need your help.

An estimated 48.3 percent of Hondurans (around 4.3 million people) live below the national poverty line
About half the population in Honduras lives on less than $5.50 USD a day
In Honduras, seven out of ten children live below the poverty line, as classified by UNICEF
43% of children do not live with their parents because of immigration and migration to other countries or areas
3 out of 4 children in Honduras leave school between the ages of 12 and 18

Our Work in Honduras

Thanks to caring people like you, Children Incorporated has helped thousands of children living in poverty in Honduras since 1964.

We work with our volunteer coordinators in local communities to provide health and nutrition, education, hygiene items, clothes, shoes, and other essentials that help children and families rise above the poverty in which they live.

Our strategy is to focus on individual children through our sponsorship program, ensuring they are receiving exactly what they need on a regular basis.

Your support makes all our work possible to help children in crisis in Honduras.

***

How do I sponsor a child in Honduras?

You can sponsor a child in Honduras 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 Honduras that is available for sponsorship.

SPONSOR A CHILD

SOURCES:

https://databankfiles.worldbank.org/data/download/poverty/33EF03BB-9722-4AE2-ABC7-AA2972D68AFE/Global_POVEQ_HND.pdf

https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2022/jun/09/poverty-drought-impending-famine-now-pneumonia-takes-its-cruel-toll-on-honduran-children-acc

https://www.unicefusa.org/stories/why-children-are-fleeing-honduras-and-what-unicef-doing-about-it/35571

Children Incorporated | October 17, 2022

We are happy to share with you our Fall 2022 Newsletter, highlighting our work around the world thanks to our sponsors and donors and their generosity and dedication in helping children in need. Enjoy!

Children Incorporated Responds to Major Flooding in Eastern Kentucky

Historic thunderstorms struck southeastern Kentucky in July, producing 16 inches of rainfall within a five-day period and triggering flash flooding throughout the region. Buildings, homes, and roads were damaged due to high water, and the aftermath of the storms was devastating for both our affiliated schools and families in these communities, some of whom lost everything and were forced to live in tents on their property or move into hotels or shelters.

We are happy to share with you our Fall 2022 Newsletter, highlighting our work around the world thanks to our sponsors and donors and their generosity and dedication in helping children in need.

In early August, our volunteer coordinators started reaching out to us requesting support, and we began sending emergency relief funding — all thanks to our amazing donors.

To date, we have sent over $65,000 to help families with immediate needs such as bottled water and nonperishable food, cleaning supplies, antibiotic ointment, band-aids, and clothes. We are so grateful for donations made to our Hope In Action Fund for our Kentucky flood relief efforts!

OUR DONORS TO THE RESCUE

The Spirit Airlines Charitable Foundation Supports Our Work in Costa Rica

In June, Spirit Airlines marked fifteen years of flights to San Jose, Costa Rica, and wanted to celebrate by giving back to children, families, and communities in the area, so they contacted Children Incorporated.

“Lanie Morgenstern, the Senior Manager of Corporate Social Responsibility & Strategic Partnerships with Spirit Airlines, was very enthusiastic about our work in Costa Rica when we spoke about a potential partnership,” explained Children Incorporated Director of Development, Shelley Callahan.

In a time of crisis, we are able to support children in Sri Lanka thanks to our donors and sponsors.

“Lanie felt that our work directly lined up with the mission and vision of the Spirit Airlines Charitable Foundation. The Foundation was interested in providing immediate educational and basic needs support to children living in poverty who attended our affiliated site, La Milagrosa, in the center of San Jose.”

“I also felt that this partnership was ideal for the children in our program. The $10,000 donation from the Spirit Airlines Charitable Foundation allowed our volunteer coordinator to purchase food items, hygiene items, mattresses, clothes, shoes and school supplies for the children we support,” explained Callahan.

“These items were especially important considering how difficult the pandemic has been for families.”

Thank you, Spirit Airlines, for your valuable partnership with Children Incorporated!

INVESTING IN THE YOUTH OF COSTA RICA

Helping Children During A Crisis in Sri Lanka

This year, Sri Lanka has faced its worst economic crisis since its independence in 1948. Fuel shortages and inflation have left millions of Sri Lankans without kerosene and food, leaving many to borrow money or sell their personal items to feed themselves and their children.

Thankfully, our sponsors and donors are able to offer support to children at our three affiliated sites in Sri Lanka — Chrishanti Lama Sevana, Touch a Life with Hope Center, and the Wijewardane Children’s Home. Monthly funding has allowed our volunteer coordinators to purchase food, mosquito nets and other basic needs items which the children desperately need.

We have children currently on our waitlist in Sri Lanka, waiting for a special person to sponsor them. If you would like to sponsor a child in Sri Lanka, please contact us today.

READ THE FULL NEWSLETTER

Shelley Callahan | October 2, 2022En Español

When Shirleen Joe first contacted Children Incorporated this past summer, she mentioned to our sponsorship department that she herself was a sponsored child growing up.

Children Incorporated Director of Development Shelley Callahan emailed Shirleen Joe to ask her more about the sponsorship experience and how being a sponsor herself has been.

“I was a Native American child sponsored through my school back in 1972. I still have contact with my sponsor today. I’ve even considered her my stepmother, which she accepted, so now I call her “Mom.” I want to become a sponsor now to pay-it-forward,” wrote Shirleen.

“I asked her how she sponsored me when I was a child and she was glad to give me the information about Children Incorporated, but said she wasn’t aware if the organization still existed. After doing research, I came to find out that you all still do exist. I was so grateful!”

After she signed up to become a new sponsor, Children Incorporated’s Director of Development Shelley Callahan emailed Shirleen Joe to ask her more about her experience growing up with a sponsor and how she feels about our sponsorship program.

Shirleen Joe as a young girl in New Mexico

SC: Tell us a little about your background with Children Incorporated.

SJ: Back in 1971, I was attending a local boarding school when I was only 8 years old. I was informed that I had a “sponsor.” Not knowing what was going on, I was given a pencil and paper and was told to write a letter to her. I later came to find out that it was through Children Incorporated that an individual had volunteered to help me with basic needs.

SC: What state was your boarding school located in?

SJ: It was located in Crownpoint, New Mexico.

SC: Can you tell US just a little bit more about what your childhood was like?

SJ: In our native tradition we are required to introduce ourselves in our native language and in the proper manner like: “Hello, my name is Shirleen Joe, I am of (maternal clan) the Tohdicheenie Clan (Bitter Water). I am born of the (paternal clan) Ma’ii desh gish nii Clan (Coyote Pass People) also known as the Ah shii nii Clan (Salt People). My father was the late Herbert F. Martin and was employed as a Heavy Equipment Operator with the local BIA Facility Management until his passing in 1979. My mother is Etta J. Martin, a home maker.

My parents, myself and all my siblings lived in a house called a hogan, which is a one room open space area for living. The furniture was located in certain areas against the wall to sort of make sections for the kitchen and sleeping areas.

The only ones that actually had a bed to sleep on were my parents. Myself and my three sisters slept on the ground on one big mattress and my three brothers also had their own big mattress to sleep on. In the morning we would take out those mattresses and hang them on the clothes line to air out for the next night.

I was one lucky individual to have a sponsor which personally felt like I had a foster parent who cared enough to individually support me.

A lot of things that I got were hand-me-downs from my older siblings. The only new thing that I received was usually from my sponsor sending me something like a gift. I was shy and timid as a child, until I became a teenager and obtained a permanent job that got me out of my shell. Now, I can give a public speech in both the English and Navajo (Dine’) language with no problem.

SC: What do you currently do for work?

SJ: I currently work for the Navajo Nation Food Distribution in Crownpoint.

As a young adult, I worked for Wendy’s Restaurant in Gallup, New Mexico; thereafter, I applied to and got hired permanently with the City of Gallup Police Department working in the Records Department. I put in a total of twenty five years and then retired from there, then stayed at home for two years before deciding I was ready to go back to work. I then worked for the Navajo Nation Division of Aging and Long Term Care Support, the Navajo Land Commission, the Navajo Technical University, and now I am at the Navajo Nation Food Distribution which is where I will remain until I decide to retire permanently from the employment life.

SC: What are some of your memories of having a sponsor growing up?

Shirleen Joe pictured with her sponsor, Karen

SJ: I remember that out of the hundreds of children attending the boarding school, I was one of the lucky ones that got a sponsor through Children Incorporated. My sponsor would send me letters and gifts for my birthday or for Christmas.

SC:What was your biggest motivation for becoming a sponsor yourself?

SJ: My biggest motivation was having six other siblings and losing my father at a young age, which was hard for my mother. I was one lucky individual to have a sponsor which personally felt like I had a foster parent who cared enough to individually support me. In knowing that, I decided to become a sponsor myself after becoming an adult and making a living on my own.

SC: What do you think are some of the most rewarding aspects of sponsorship?

SJ: Personally, I would say that no matter what kind of family life you’re going through, there’s always someone out there to help you financially, provide you with hope that everything will be okay no matter the circumstances, motivate you to know that you are able to face any challenges, and offer a life-long friendship. To this day, I still have contact with my sponsor. I consider her as my secondary parent and her children as my own siblings.

***

How do I sponsor a child with children incorporated?

SPONSOR A CHILD