A lifetime of love: 55 years of sponsoring children in need

From young sweethearts to lifelong child sponsors 

Although Mieke and Hendrik both grew up in Holland, their paths didn’t cross until after college when they were both in Amsterdam—after they each earned prestigious Fulbright scholarships and returned from studying in the United States. 

After a few years of married bliss, they decided to move back to the United States and became American citizens in 1964. They dreamed of building their lives and growing their family in the U.S., but since they were both fluent in four languages, the companies they worked for sent them to Europe—sparking decades-long international careers that would shape countless lives. 

While living in Germany in the late 1960s, the couple heard about SOS Children’s Villages, an innovative, international organization founded to care for children without parents in the devastating aftermath of World War II. 

“At that point, we were discussing whether or not we would have a fourth child,” Mieke said. “It was 20 years after World War II was over, and we were all trying to heal. We decided that we could do more good by caring for children [who didn’t have parents], who needed us.” 

Providing the family-like care children need 

Drawn to the family-like care children receive at SOS Children’s Villages, the Smits began sponsoring children with SOS in 1970. 

“What appealed to us was the family unit and social skills,” she said. “Children learn how to help a little brother [with homework] or help their mother do dishes. They learn to live in a community, which is so important for young children. This is the best way to raise children who did not have a home of their own.” 

Unlike traditional orphanages—where caregiver-to-child ratios can be as high as 1:31—SOS’ innovative village model guarantees children have the trusting relationship with a nurturing caregiver that is essential to their emotional, physical and mental development.  

Our family-based model ensures children grow up with everything they need, like: 

— A safe, loving family with an SOS caregiver who is trained in trauma-informed care, providing consistent care and emotional support 

— Access to a quality education and the resources they need to thrive academically 

— Nutritious meals and professional health care so they grow up healthy and equipped to reach their full potential 

— A sense of community belonging that research shows is vital for healthy brain development and lifelong success 

Decades of impact 

Over their five decades of support, the Smits sponsored multiple children in Lebanon through SOS Children’s Villages international child sponsorship program. 

“Our oldest son suggested we sponsor a child in Lebanon,” Mieke said. “He was only 12 at the time but [very motivated] to help.”  

Throughout their time living abroad, the Smits continued their compassionate monthly child sponsorship, no matter where they lived in the world—creating lifelong impact for the world’s most vulnerable children. 

“After all these years, I am more and more impressed by the scope of SOS Children’s Villages,” Mieke said. “I admire the way in which they keep us ‘in the loop’ about the progress of our [sponsored] children.” 

In 1999, the couple retired and moved back to the United States, where they enjoyed traveling to France and Canada to spend time with their three children and multiple grandchildren. 

Although Hendrik passed in 2024, his legacy of compassionate philanthropy lives on in the children whose lives he changed, and Mieke continues to honor their 55-year legacy of love.  

“After his death, I continued my support, and I am encouraging my children to do the same after I leave this Earth,” Mieke said. “I have said to my children, ‘When I die, don’t plant a tree in my memory. Sponsor a child with SOS.’” 

You can join the Smit’s in giving the priceless gift of family 

The Smit’s inspiring story shows how love and commitment transform the lives of children in need. 

This year, you can join the Smit family in delivering the life-changing gift of a family for a child who is alone and vulnerable.  

When you sponsor a child in need today, you can create a ripple effect of good that echoes through the life of your family and children in need. Your sponsorship gives a child the priceless gift of a safe, loving home and everything they need to thrive now—and far into the future.   

Join our global family of sponsors making a difference in the lives of vulnerable children today. 

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