5 gifts for your sponsored child

Sponsorship is about more than just giving money to someone in need — it’s about letting children know that they’re loved!
 
Take the time to write letters or send and create a more meaningful relationship with your sponsored child. Many sponsors find that investing in this also changes their own life.
 
1. Write a letter
“I feel very happy to get news from them [my sponsors],” says 10-year-old Emily, from Colombia. “Something in my heart tells me that I need them. They are close every time I read their letters.”
 
Letter-writing might feel intimidating at first, but your letter doesn’t have to be perfect to be encouraging to your sponsored child. He or she is curious to know about who you are and what your life is like!
 
Introduce yourself and your family members. Share your age, hobbies, sports you watch or play, and other activities you’re involved in. Who do you consider to be a part of your family? Tell your sponsored child about their ages and interests to help paint a picture of daily life for your sponsored child. It’s important to focus on relationships and activities and not on possessions — your sponsored child might not have many of those.
 
Taking the time to write your sponsored child conveys the message that he or she is valuable and loved!
 
2. Send Photos
Photos of you and your family will be cherished by your sponsored child, and they’ll help him or her feel more connected to your life.
 
Like letter-writing, it’s important to focus on people, not possessions. Remember how connected you felt to your sponsored child when you saw his or her picture? Sending photos of your own will help your sponsored child feel similarly connected to you.
 
3. Send a Small Gift
Many families don’t have money for anything extra, so small gifts can mean a lot. Your gift will need to fit in a 6×9 envelope. Stickers, bandanas, colouring books, coloured pencils (with a sharpener!) are a great place to start.
 
If you have children or grandchildren, you can also send their drawings or photos.
 
4. Write an Email
You don’t have to spend a lot of time to create a meaningful connection. Logging into Your World Vision makes it easy to email your sponsored child. Your child will respond via regular mail, so it may take several months to receive a letter back.
 
5. Send a Card
After you sponsor a child, World Vision will send you colourful cards to send to your sponsored child. It is one of the easiest ways to make a connection with the child — simply fill out the card and drop it in the mail.
 
The card will be sent to the World Vision office in your child’s country and translated into his or her language. Children receive these cards around birthdays and holidays. Greeting cards can brighten your child’s day, and your card will be treasured for months to come.
 
And You’re Well On Your Way…
To building a lasting, positive relationship!
 
Know that the letters, photos, and packages you send will bring joy to your sponsored child and help foster a deeper connection.
 
If you have written a letter or email to your sponsored child, it might take some time to receive a reply. World Vision staff members are hard at work processing, translating, and delivering your messages. Please don’t let that discourage you from reaching out to your sponsored child. Doing so will be a blessing and encouragement for everyone involved!
 
Currently a sponsor? Sign in to Your World Vision today for additional tips on how to stay connected with your sponsored child.
 
If you’re not yet a sponsor, consider becoming one today. Your commitment to a boy or girl in need will do more than just provide life-giving basics; it will help foster a deep connection between you and a child who will know your name, feel your prayers, and experience your support through your correspondence.