Just some of the information from the Sponsor Handbook is provided below. You may also download a .pdf version of the Handbook.
GUIDELINES FOR BUILDING A RELATIONSHIP
WITH YOUR SPONSORED CHILD
Children love to hear from their sponsors, and often share their letters with others. If you choose to write to your sponsored child or children, your letters will be gladly received. Here are some guidelines for corresponding with your child:
1) With your child’s picture, you’ll get a mailing address that you can use to write to your child. Please understand that their ability to respond will be affected by his or her age, education level, and
desire to respond.
2) Keep your letters short, and use simple language. Tell your sponsored child about your country, city, or town. Talk about the climate and what your surroundings look like during different seasons.
3) Invite your child to write back. Ask him or her to describe a typical day or talk about his or her favorite subject in school.
4) Write about your interests or hobbies, or share the customs and traditions you follow, the holidays you celebrate, even the foods you and your family enjoy.
5) You can definitely send photos of you and your family. If you’re writing to a religiously conservative country, it’s best to send photos of subjects who are modestly dressed, for the comfort
of the child.
6) Avoid issues of material possessions. For a child of poverty and abandonment, affluence is often difficult to understand. Keep this in mind if you send photos of yourself or your surroundings.
7) You may send small gifts that fit in an envelope and can be shared. Excellent choices are coloring books, crayons, cards or postcards, stamps, paper dolls, colorful stickers, etc.
Questions About Your Sponsorship?
Please refer to your Sponsorship Handbook for more details about your sponsorship. When other questions arise, we encourage you to contact our Sponsorship Office by phone or by email.
Telephone: 888-767-4543
Direct line to Sponsorship Dept: 202-470-5177
Email: sponsors@sos-usa.org