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How To Write A Letter To Your Sponsored Child

We strongly encourage you to write your sponsored child. Your letters will establish you as a very important person in their life. Very often, children will keep every letter from their sponsors in a treasured place and use them as a reminder that someone very special cares about them enough to invest in them through time, prayer, and resources.

What to tell them about yourself:

• Describe your family . . . children also love to receive pictures of their sponsor’s families

• Discuss your favorite pastimes – talk about your hobbies or sports you enjoy

• Include a description of your work, church, or school

• Explain customs or special holidays

• Give a general description of the area where you live (But no specific addresses, please)

What to avoid:

• Elaborating on material possessions (the size of your home or kind of car you drive)

• Suggesting that your sponsored child visit the United States

• Using slang or colloquialisms that would be difficult to translate or understand

• Asking what your sponsored child would like as a gift from you

• Do not include your return address in your letter. Your child will respond to World Help’s office directly.

 

Questions to ask your child:

Start with general questions: likes, dislikes, favorite foods, animals, sports, subjects in school, descriptions of friends or family members, etc.

Learning about your child’s country will also be very helpful as you communicate. Take this opportunity to learn about your child’s culture, customs, and people. This also can be a fun family/group project!

Simple Steps To Write A Letter

Here are a few easy steps you can take to be certain your letter reaches the hands of your sponsored child as quickly and efficiently as possible.

1. Write your sponsored child’s name and ID number at the top of your letter (this information is located on the child biography page you received in your new sponsor kit).

2. Address your envelope using your sponsored child’s name and ID number in care of World Help Child Sponsorship Program:

[Sponsored Child’s name and ID #]
c/o World Help Child Sponsorship Program
P.O. Box 501
Forest, VA 24551

3. Lastly, please include your donor account number, if possible, with your return address on the outside of your envelope.

Ways to Connect

Prayer is one of the greatest gifts you can give. Here are a few ways you can pray for your sponsored child throughout the year:

  • Pray they will grow in faith and character
  • Pray for good health and protection
  • Pray for success in school
  • Pray for their family and community
  • Pray for their dreams and future opportunities

You can also share how you are praying for them in your letters and ask them if there is anything specific they would like you to pray about.

Letters help your sponsored child feel seen, valued, and loved. Many children keep every letter from their sponsors and display them in a treasured place. You can include a short update about you or your family, a favorite Bible verse, a photo, or questions about their interests and dreams.

How to mail your letter:

  1. Write your sponsored child’s name and ID number (found on their child biography) at the top of your letter.
  2. Include your donor account number, if possible, with your return address on the outside of your envelope.
  3. Mail your letter to:

[Sponsored Child’s Name and ID #]
c/o World Help Child Sponsorship Program
P.O. Box 501
Forest, VA 24551
For more ideas about what to write and what topics to avoid, please see your Child Sponsorship Guide.

Email Your Letter

You can also send a letter electronically. Once we receive your letter, we will make sure it gets printed, translated if necessary, and sent to your child. You can either:

  1. Email your letter to childsponsorship@worldhelp.net and attach any photos. Please include your child’s name and ID number as well as your name and donor account number, if possible.
  2. Fill out the form below.

Many sponsors ask if they can send their child a package — and the answer is yes! Due to international shipping taxes and restrictions, we ask that you limit gifts to a few small, inexpensive items that will fit in a flat, 6x9 inch envelope.

A few ideas include:

  • Coloring pages
  • Colored pencils (no crayons, as they may melt)
  • Stickers, paper airplanes, or small puzzles
  • Hair accessories
  • Bookmarks
  • Postcards

Please do not send cash, electronics, jewelry, or expensive items. Be sure that your child’s name and ID number are included on all items.

Mail your small package to:

[Sponsored Child’s Name and ID #]
c/o World Help Child Sponsorship Program
P.O. Box 501
Forest, VA 24551

For more information, please see your Child Sponsorship Guide or visit our Frequently Asked Questions page.

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Our Financial Commitment

Your gift will be used exclusively for the exempt purposes of World Help, a 501(c)(3) organization, and will be considered tax-deductible to the full extent allowed under the federal tax laws. You should consult with your personal income tax advisor for more guidance about your individual tax situation. Gifts are considered to be without restriction unless explicitly stipulated by the donor. All restricted gifts for a specific project receive an administrative assessment, which is used to offset administrative and fundraising costs.

If contributed funds exceed the specific need of a project, or due to unforeseen circumstances the project cannot be completed, those funds will be used where they will make the greatest impact to fulfill the mission and purpose of World Help. You can access World Help’s full financial reports at worldhelp.net/financials.

You may also request a hard copy, as well as descriptions of World Help’s programs, by calling 800-541-6691.

Graphical illustration of the World Help financial breakdown and accountability.