For 10-year-old Charlie, a letter from his sponsor means more than just words on a page. This Christmas, it’s a reminder that someone knows and cares about him — someone is praying for him, even from miles away.
What’s Here:
- The Joy of a Sponsor’s Letter
- A Moment of Happiness at the Compassion Center
- Building Bonds Across Miles
- The Lasting Impact of a Sponsor’s Letter
The Joy of a Sponsor’s Letter
On a rainy day in Managua, Nicaragua, Charlie’s mom, Elys, receives a call and excitedly calls out, “It’s time to go! You got a letter from your sponsor!” Without a moment’s hesitation, Charlie grabs his backpack. Rain or shine, he’s off to the Compassion center to pick up that special note from someone who believes in him.
Each letter makes Charlie feel seen and cared for, especially at Christmastime. Every message brings a smile to his face, filling his family’s hearts with gratitude.
“Knowing that someone else so far away cares about him and prays for him was already a huge blessing.” — Charlie’s mom, Elys
A Moment of Happiness at the Compassion Center
At the Compassion center, the staff loves handing out these letters because they see how each child lights up with joy.
“We love handing the letters to the children because we get to see their happiness.” –– María Elena, Compassion center director
When his tutor finally calls his name, Charlie’s eyes brighten, and he breaks into a huge smile.
“I feel so happy when my sponsor sends me a letter! I like when she tells me how she’s doing and the places she’s visited. I also love the pictures!” — Charlie
Building Bonds Across Miles
For Charlie, the connection is more than just letters. It’s a friendship, a lifeline for a child growing up in poverty, where encouragement and hope mean everything. Each letter builds a bridge across miles, reminding Charlie he’s remembered, prayed for and believed in by someone who truly cares.
“What I remember the most is how she was praying for my son. She made him a part of her family even if she had never seen him in person. That really touched me.” – Charlie’s mom, Elys
This relationship isn’t just about words — it’s about giving Charlie a safe space where he feels encouraged. For a young child facing daily challenges, these letters are a reminder that he is never alone.
The Lasting Impact of a Sponsor’s Letter
After reading his letter one last time, Charlie walks down the narrow corridor to the small bedroom he shares with his parents and younger brother. Carefully, he lifts the edge of his mattress and pulls out a well-worn plastic folder — a secret treasure trove where he keeps all his sponsor’s letters. These letters aren’t just keepsakes — they’re reminders of his own worth, his hopes and the possibility of a brighter future.
“Through the letters, children form strong bonds with their sponsors. It builds an unbreakable trust, allowing children to share about their life, prayer requests and hopes.” –– María Elena
Each note strengthens the bond between Charlie and his sponsor, showing him he is known, loved and valued.
Share the Gift of Hope This Christmas
This Christmas, you have the chance to change a child’s life in a truly meaningful way. By sponsoring a child, you’re giving them a gift of hope, access to education, essential care and the love of a global community. Start a connection that can brighten both of your lives this holiday season and beyond.
6 Comments |Add a comment
So sorry. One last question. Can I send the chrismtas cards to one of my sponsored children to give to their friends that don’t have sponsors?
again so sorry for asking again.
Hi, Skylee. No worries at all. This is a great question. To provide some context, pop-up and musical cards are delivered physically to the children, but regular greeting cards by themselves would be scanned, digitally sent to the child’s country, and a copy would be printed and delivered. This being said, we encourage each separate card to have a specific child’s ID number and your sponsor ID number on it, to help make sure it is successfully delivered.
As an alternative option, you may absolutely send extra Christmas stickers if you desire, and include in your letter to your sponsored child that the stickers are for him or her to share with friends. You could send one card with 5 sticker pages that each have your child’s ID number on them, due to our 6-page limit, as an example.
Please feel free to send us an email at [email protected] if you have any additional questions. We are happy to help.
Hello! I read on a blog that was posted in about 2012, that we could make chrismtas cards for Unsponsored children. Is this till true? And if so, where do we mail them to?
Hi Skylee, thank you so much for your concern regarding the unsponsored children within Compassion’s program. That blog post was regarding a specific trip to a center in Ecuador and efforts to ensure all the children there received Christmas cards. Regrettably, we no longer have a process in place for people to write and send Christmas cards for unsponsored children. Please know that staff at our centers work to ensure every child receives a gift during Christmas, whether sponsored or otherwise, and you are always welcome to help in that by donating to our Christmas fund. I want to thank you again for your heart to see all the children feeling known, loved, and accepted during the holiday season. Please feel free to email us at [email protected] if you have any further questions or concerns. God bless you!
I don’t remember getting a letter about giving my child a Christmas gift this year.
Hello, Nola! I am so sorry to hear this. Please send us an email to [email protected], and we will be happy to check on this further. Thank you!