Tag Archives: help children

Children Incorporated | December 17, 2023

We talk about our Hope In Action Fund a lot — and for good reason. This special fund, which provides for children and families in emergency situations, when natural disasters strike, and due to extreme hardship, allows our volunteer coordinators to support their communities beyond what sponsorship provides.

Thank you for all you have provided to children in need this year through our Hope In Action Fund. We couldn’t do our life-changing work without you.

As we get closer to the end of 2023, we would like to share with you, our amazing donors, just some of the many ways your donations to Hope In Action have helped this year, from the rural areas of Eastern Kentucky to our affiliated sites in the Philippines.

Hope in Action Internationally

Just in this past year, donations to Hope In Action have:

Provided funds for the purchase of projection screens for ten school classrooms
at the La Immaculada School in Bolivia
Provided funds to purchase new summer uniforms for children at the Armenian
Evangelical Secondary School — Anjar in Lebanon
Provided funds to support heart surgery for a sponsored child in the Philippines
who has been diagnosed with cardiovascular disease
Provided funds to purchase eyeglasses for sponsored children at the Santa Rosa
School in Bolivia
Provided funds to purchase band equipment for students at the Santa Rosa
School in Bolivia
Provided funds to purchase shoes for children at the Escuela Santa Lisa in
El Salvador
Provided funds to repair the study room used by students at the La Recoleccion
School in Nicaragua
Provided funds to repair the refrigeration room in the kitchen at the La Luz Home
in Mexico which provides daily meals to our sponsored children who live in the home

Hope in Action in the United States

Just this past year, donations to Hope In Action have:

Provided reading books and arts and crafts supplies for children in the dorms at the
Mariano Lake Community School in New Mexico
Provided materials and supplies for a clothes closet, field day, and field trips
for students at Broad Rock Elementary School in Virginia
Provided mattresses, food and clothing for a child who had been relocated to the Children
Incorporated affiliated school, East Valley Elementary in Kentucky, and was in need of
emergency support
Provided funds to purchase backpacks and school supplies for the annual back to school
bash at Martha Jane Potter Elementary School in Kentucky
Provided emergency support after a house fire for a family at Menifee Central Elementary
School in Kentucky

Hope In Action donations allowed us to fill a vending machine full of free books for kids in Kentucky.

Additionally, just in the U.S, alone, your support has:

Provided funds to help a sponsored child at
Lewis County Middle School in Kentucky
participate in a state-wide athletic competition
Provided funds to buy shoes, backpacks,
and school supplies for students at Gouge
Elementary School in North Carolina
Provided funds for a Summer and Arts Camp
at Belfry Middle School in Kentucky
Provided funds for students at Sparta Middle
School in North Carolina to visit an interactive
children’s museum and zoo
Provide disaster relief funds for two children
enrolled in our program at Menifee Central
Elementary School in Kentucky after their house
caught on fire
Provided funds for students at Perry Central High School
in Kentucky to attend a cheerleading camp

And, you have also:

Provided funds to purchase materials, supplies and food for a Family Literacy
Initiative at Flat Gap Elementary School in Kentucky
Provided beds, bedding, pillows, blankets, and journals to children in need at Menifee Central
Elementary School in Kentucky
Provide funds to stock the Family Resource Center with nutritious snacks at
Herald Whitaker Middle School in Kentucky
Provided funds to purchase clothes and shoes for the Youth Services Center at Phelps High School
in Kentucky
Provided three new books each to all children at Catlettsburg Elementary School in Kentucky
Provided funds to improve health and sanitation by providing water bottles to students at
Salyersville Grade School in Kentucky when the school added refillable water bottle stations

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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 that is available for sponsorship.

SPONSOR A CHILD

Shelley Callahan | December 10, 2023En Español

Bolivia is a country known for its tumultuous history, dating back decades, in which a series of coups and countercoups have made the country unsafe for residents and tourists alike. And although in more recent times, with a democratic ruling party, Bolivia has seen less civil unrest than previously, the country is still facing problems with violence due to modern-day political interference.

For now, our sponsors help them with school fees, such as funds for books and meals, as even public-school education in Bolivia isn’t always free.

Being smaller in size than the larger Bolivian cities of La Paz and Santa Cruz, Sucre has a feeling of being sheltered from many dangers of the outside world. With its small cobblestone streets, colonial buildings and quaint atmosphere, Sucre is the polar opposite of a major metropolitan city.

Giving families peace of mind

Having been to La Paz and Santa Cruz before on a previous trip with Children Incorporated to Bolivia, Sucre felt manageable and easy to navigate comparably. The city was bustling with families, tourists and students walking around at all times of day and night with an obvious feeling of security that might not be present in a more major city.

And — for families living in poverty, where employment might not offer parents the opportunity to be available to escort their children to school, or be at home when the school day is over — this sense of security is so valuable in giving them peace of mind when they already have to worry about providing for their children on limited incomes.

On our third day in Sucre, Luis and I were scheduled to visit our affiliated site, Colegio Don Bosco, a short walk from our hotel in the city center, where boys and girls from impoverished backgrounds attended school in a large, two-story building with forty classrooms, a dining hall, kitchen, and laboratories for physics, chemistry and computer classes. After taking a tour of the school, we met with our sponsored children as our volunteer coordinator explained to us that the school was very prestigious, and many of the students go to study in universities after graduation.

A well-rounded way to help children in need

For now, our sponsors help them with school fees, such as funds for books and meals, as even public-school education in Bolivia isn’t always free. This support helps to reinforce the feeling of security that these students need to grow up healthy and happy — physically, mentally, and emotionally.

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How do I sponsor a child with Children Incorporated?

SPONSOR A CHILD

Children Incorporated | November 26, 2023En Español

Many of our affiliated sites in Eastern Kentucky were greatly impacted by flooding last year, which left communities devastated and families homeless. Thanks to our Hope In Action Fund, which allows us to respond to emergency situations that arise, we were able to help many people start to rebuild their lives.

“To be confident in one’s appearance is a must, and Children Incorporated and their generous sponsors help these students break social barriers and reach their full potential.”

Today we hear from Linda at Highland Turner Elementary School, who writes to tell us about how our donors and sponsors helped children in our program during the flooding, while also offering them much-needed support throughout the year.

A Note from Linda

“As a new coordinator starting a new job and coming into the school year dealing with a historic flood and extensive loss in the county, I consider Children Incorporated to be a blessing. The ability to request assistance in the form of a mini grant and to receive Hope In Action funds helped not only sponsored children but many other students in need at our school, providing shoes and basic needs that are necessary for children to thrive emotionally and academically.”

“Sponsored students enjoy receiving gifts, cards and letters from their sponsors, but for the students at my school, it’s more than just recieving mail and packages — it’s knowing that there are people out there in the world who care about them, people who are invested in their well-being and want to see them succeed.”

Breaking Social Barriers

Sponsorship provides children with basic needs, and gives them a sense of self-esteem, which is just as important to their growth and development.

“There is no argument that education is important, but a child’s self-esteem is equally vital, and that’s where the cards, letters, special gifts, and funds provided by Children Incorporated sponsors come in. The sponsored students’ accomplishments include completion of 6th grade certificates, medals, and citizenship awards. Students who receive citizenship awards in particular have shown that they care for their fellow classmates. They are leaders. They are strong and kind. To be confident in one’s appearance is a must, and Children Incorporated and their generous sponsors help these students break social barriers and reach their full potential, whether it be in the form of new school clothes, a pair of shoes or basic hygiene needs such as deodorant, lotion, soap, or toothpaste.”

“Academic success involves educating the whole child, and Children Incorporated sponsors see that this success is possible through their kindness and generosity. Sponsors who recognize birthdays reiterate the belief that they do truly care, and I can’t stress this enough. Birthdays and holidays are extremely important to our students, and the extra cards, special funds, gifts, and letters are greatly appreciated. Those smiles and statements such as ‘I love my sponsor’ or ‘Wow, how did they know I wanted that or I needed that?,’ make it a privilege to be a part of such a great program.”

“After a shopping trip and item distribution to sponsored students, the children are so excited to look through their new items. Some will even stop by my office to show off their new outfits. These gifts remove social barriers for our students and build self-confidence that is evident in the smiles on their faces.”

“With the end of the school year at hand, the last shopping trip included necessary items needed for field trips and for summer fun like hats, sunglasses, swimsuits, and swimming trunks as well as new shorts, summer dresses, shirts, underwear, and flip flops. As a coordinator, it’s a relief to know that these students will embark on summer break with these needs met. Thank you, sponsors! Thank you, Children Incorporated! Keep up the good work.”

Sincerely,
Linda

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HOW DO I SPONSOR A CHILD WITH CHILDREN INCORPORATED?

SPONSOR A CHILD

Shelley Callahan | November 19, 2023En Español

For many families of children in our program, holidays can be a time of stress instead of celebration because money for food or gifts just isn’t available to make Thanksgiving or Christmas special.

Today we hear from our volunteer coordinator, Anne Marie, at Alleghany High School in North Carolina, about how our sponsors are helping to ensure that families have a reason to celebrate Thanksgiving together, all thanks to donations to our Feeding Programs Fund.

“Thank you so much for all that your organization does to feed familes during Thanksgiving!”

A letter from Anne Marie

“Dear Children Incorporated,

I have always been amazed at how much the Children Incorporated sponsors help and support our students. Alleghany County is located in the northwest corner of North Carolina and is very rural. Christmas trees are grown here and shipped all over the world. Alleghany High School has approximately 19.5% of the student body enrolled in the Children Incorporated sponsorship program – over 70 students in total!”

Thanks to our donors, families are receiving full Thanksgiving dinners this holiday season!

“All of our sponsored children have their instructional fees paid and school pictures and yearbooks purchased for them to help out their families. Each year, a few weeks after school starts, each student is allowed to pick out and purchase $100 worth of school gear such as shirts, sweatshirts, pants and hats, and all of our seniors have their cap and gowns paid for with Children Incorporated funds.”

Countless thanks from families in need

“Several years ago, our school noticed a need for the holidays for our families. The last day of school before Thanksgiving break, each staff member signed up to personally deliver meals to our Children Incorporated families. The school also partnered with Food Lion and Lowe’s Hardware. Lowe’s donated cooler bags and Food Lion prepared the bags for us to pick up and deliver. The meals consisted of turkey, ham, green beans, mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, rolls and an apple pie. Over the years, we have received countless thank-yous and even tears from our families when they receive the meals. Some families have told us that they did not know what they would have to eat over the holidays otherwise.”

“Thank you so much for all that your organization does to feed families during Thanksgiving!”

Sincerely,
Anne Marie

***

How do I sponsor a child with Children Incorporated?

SPONSOR A CHILD

Shelley Callahan | November 6, 2023En Español

After spending a few days in Santa Cruz, Bolivia, visiting with a few of our affiliated sites in the area, it was time for our Director of International Programs, Luis Bourdet, and myself to take the short trip by plane to Sucre, where Children Incorporated supports seven schools, helping hundreds of children living in poverty every year.

The students beamed with pride as we made our rounds, and Gabriella explained to Luis and me that our donors had purchased the equipment, refrigerators, kitchen tools and utensils necessary for the culinary program to exist.

I had not visited Sucre the last time I traveled to Bolivia in 2016, so I was especially excited to see the town and get a chance to meet with our volunteer coordinators and sponsored children at each of the sites. Located in the south-central part of the country, Sucre sits at a high elevation, which gives it a nice and cool temperature all year long, which I looked forward to after a few very hot days in Santa Cruz. Beyond the cool climate, Sucre is also recognized as the constitutional capital of the country, and is home to dozens of government run local schools and privately-run language schools for foreign visitors.

But, upon our arrival, before I even had the chance to really get to see Sucre itself, Luis and I ventured about twenty minutes outside of the city on our first day, to the small agricultural community of Yolata. I noticed immediately how incredibly narrow the cobblestone streets were, as we bounced down the road in the taxi. I gazed out the window, realizing just how very quaint the town was, only taking up a dozen or so city blocks in total, which made walking very convenient. Yolata is home to many farmers who struggle to grow enough food to feed their families and sell in markets, as the area is prone to drought throughout the year. This makes it difficult for them to get out of poverty — and makes it even more important that Children Incorporated is able to provide support for children growing up here.

Visiting the school

When we arrived at the front gate of the Santa Rosa School, a small group of children held a hand-made sign which read “Welcome” in Spanish. They were all dressed in traditional Bolivian clothing, ones that looked similar to the outfits we saw at the Montero School, where children had performed dances to celebrate our arrival. Luis and I stepped out of the taxi, and were greeted by our volunteer coordinator, Gabriella, who escorted us inside the school’s compound and into the courtyard, where dozens of children and their parents were seated under a small pavilion. After we were introduced to the group, the students performed songs and dances for us as a way to say “thank you” to their sponsors for all the support they receive throughout the year.

This is a large affiliation for us — 53 children are enrolled in our sponsorship program and, according to Gabriella, many more could use support from a caring sponsor. As we talked in her office after the children’s presentation, she explained that many of the impoverished families in the community didn’t have any plumbing or running water, and they did their best to sell small food items as street vendors in Sucre, but overall making ends meet was hard for them, even if both parents were able to work.

We continued talking as Gabriella led us on a tour of the school, showing us the classrooms for the middle and high school age students, and a new edition to the school that would accommodate younger students in the upcoming year, as more and more children were coming back to school after the pandemic and additional space was needed for them.

A wonderful treat during our visit

As with many of the other schools in Sucre, Gabriella explained, the Santa Rosa School is run by the government, but not funded fully by the government, so Children Incorporated has been a huge help in filling a gap when children’s parents can’t afford school supplies, clothes, food and hygiene items. And, she added, without our donors, they never would have been able to complete the culinary building that she was excited to show to us.

As we turned a corner to enter through a large doorway, to my surprise, we came upon the culinary classroom, which was filled with students in their chef’s uniforms, all lined up around counter tops filled with baked goods they had made for us! As Gabriella introduced us to the students, we had a chance to try Bolivian pastries and cakes that were not only beautiful, but absolutely delicious. The students beamed with pride as we made our rounds, and Gabriella explained to Luis and me that our donors had purchased the equipment, refrigerators, kitchen tools and utensils necessary for the culinary program to exist.

At least at the Santa Rosa School, she knew her children were being provided for.

Visiting homes in Yotala

After we said goodbye to the students, Gabriella wanted to take us to visit a few of the homes of our sponsored children before we returned to Sucre for the evening. We piled into her car and made our way out of the small town and up into the hills, where we first visited a family with two small children in our program, living in a two-room building with electricity and little else. The father told us he makes his own version of yogurt which he sells in the city, but it is a lot of work, and his pay is very low.

Their well-kept house was very bare, and I wondered how they stayed warm at nights when the temperature dropped. There was no means to heat the home, and the concrete walls offered no insulation. Shortly after, we visited another home on the side of a small mountain, where a family of three was living in one small room with no electricity or running water. The mother expressed her gratitude for her children’s sponsors, who took worry away from her while her children were at school receiving an education. At least at the Santa Rosa School, she knew her children were being provided for so they could focus on getting an education, which gave her the peace of mind she really needed.

***

How do I sponsor a child with Children Incorporated?

SPONSOR A CHILD

Children Incorporated | October 22, 2023

Each year, our volunteer coordinators write letters to our office to let us know their first-hand experiences with how powerful sponsorship is for children at their schools.

Today we hear from Michele at Owingsville Elementary School in Kentucky about how our program has helped children this past year, all thanks to our caring sponsors.

“I thank you all for allowing our Resource Center to be a part of Children Incorporated. It is a true blessing to our school and families.”

Michele’s Letter

“Owingsville Elementary Family Resource Center (FRC) would like to take this opportunity to thank you for allowing our students to be a part of Children Incorporated. Our students have benefited greatly from the sponsorship program. We currently have 22 students sponsored in the program and four newly enrolled awaiting sponsorship. We appreciate all the work Children Incorporated does for these children in need.”

“We started the school year with students returning to school full time. We do offer virtual learning, and about 15-20 students were enrolled in that for the year, however, our elementary school will not offer virtual learning next school year. Our principal, Dr. Bailey, started his fifth year here at Owingsville. I started my 31^st year in the FRC. Melania, the center’s clerk, applied for and was selected coordinator of the Crossroads Elementary FRC, so I spent about seven months without a clerk until February when a new clerk, Emily, was hired. Due to limited funding, she is also the clerk for the Bath County Middle School Resource Center. We came back to school without the COVID-19 restrictions in the fall of 2022. Additional teachers were added to make the teacher to student ratio smaller in first grade.”

Finding everything she needs

Our sponsors help ensure children’s needs are met throughout the year.

“Owingsville Elementary School has been at 74% free lunch for the past year, and we have an enrollment of 543 children from preschool through 5^th grade. Our free lunch percentage and enrollment have both increased in the past years. We have many students in need, and we are blessed to have the Children Incorporated program at our school. Last year, to spend the Children Incorporated funds, I shopped the clearance rack at Kohl’s and was able to get some great clothing. Most of it was for fall and winter, so I saved it and was able to match sizes up with all my Children Incorporated students. In October, I went shopping for fall clothing and shoes. In November, I went shopping for Christmas items and winter clothing. It is becoming increasingly hard to find the good deals on clothes that I used to find. I work very hard to get good quality and quantity. In April, I worked on the Children Incorporated shopping list for spring and summer needs and handed those items out before school was out for the summer.”

“Our center also provides a Backpack Program, where we send home food on the weekends. I currently serve 37 students on this program, and a number of them are Children Incorporated sponsored children. Now, the Summer Feeding Program is currently available, and the Backpack Program will resume in August; however, we are always available to provide emergency food.”

Grateful for all the support

“We appreciate all of the Children Incorporated sponsors and staff! We are fortunate to have sponsors who send additional funds, cards for holidays and special occasions. For the third year in a row, one special sponsor has sent gift cards for me to purchase birthday cakes and sent gift cards for special occasion dinners such Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter for their sponsored child.”

“I thank you all for allowing our Resource Center to be a part of Children Incorporated. It is a true blessing to our school and to families that benefit from it.”

Sincerely,
Michele

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HOW DO I SPONSOR A CHILD WITH CHILDREN INCORPORATED?

SPONSOR A CHILD