What Gift Does the Child You Sponsor Get at Christmas?

Though gift-giving is just a small piece of the larger Christmas picture, we recognize that the gifts given are not simply things for the children we serve. They are treasures, cherished and well-loved. Because for some children, it’s the only gift they’ll receive all year.

The Christmas gifts given every year vary from country to country because the children have different needs based on their ages and circumstances. So our local church partners take special care in choosing what the children and young adults receive, making sure every one of them knows they are treasured, seen and loved.

Here’s a peek at the types of gifts the child you sponsor may receive this year …

A Good Night’s Sleep

Many children living in remote areas of Thailand don’t have access to safe and protective bedding. That’s why staff collected warm blankets, bedding and protective tents for these children’s Christmas gifts.

Confidence in Their Appearance

Clothing is one of the most common gifts for children at Christmas. Not only is it a daily living essential, but it also brings a smile to the face of children who love to show off their new outfit at the Compassion center! Just like these teens in Colombia did …

"Last Christmas, I was given clothes. The shirt is the one I'm wearing now,” says 9-year-old Venton in Indonesia. “It's the only shirt I own."

Seven-year-old Alexandra from Peru was overjoyed with her gift of clothing: “When I found my shoes and my dress, I felt like God heard my prayers.”

Tools for Learning

Staff will often identify practical needs, including school supplies, that can bless children. This student in Rwanda was given a new backpack for his studies.

Food for Health

At 7-year-old Rejoice’s Compassion center in Ghana, the children received beautiful new clothes the previous year. Because the children’s clothes were still in good condition and most families were struggling to provide enough food for their children each day, the church decided to give food supplies for Christmas presents.

Toys for Development

Learning to play is crucial to every child’s socio-emotional development. These kiddos in Burkina Faso couldn’t wait to play with their new toys!

What They Need

Sometimes children receive vouchers so they can purchase a gift of their own choosing with the guidance of the staff and their family. Maria in the Philippines went shopping with her mom and got a sleeping pad, some hair bands, a shirt and a necklace.

In Indonesia, staff and volunteers shop for babies and mothers in the Compassion Survival initiative, carefully selecting clothing and other needed supplies to wrap up as Christmas gifts.

A Christmas to Remember

For Ian, in Kenya, celebrating Christmas is a new concept. Cared for by his Aunt Philgona, Ian knew his family couldn’t afford to buy gifts. “Celebrating Christmas is a very recent thing for us … The constant struggle to survive always overshadowed it,” says Philgona.

But, through Compassion, Ian has been offered personal Christmas gifts that meet his needs and has been invited into joyful Christmas festivities!

“I really enjoy the Christmas celebrations,” Ian says. “I get the opportunity to play with my friends, sing carols and thank God for his love and care. On top of that, I get gifts as well.”

Give to the Christmas Gift Fund today to put a smile on the face of every child in our program!

Give a Christmas Gift Today

A version of this article first appeared on the Compassion Australia Blog.