Giving special money is just that… special.
In 2023 at our Meru sponsor site in Kenya, nearly 250 children received gifts of special money from their sponsors. For many, it is an exciting opportunity to get things they have been hoping for, whether it is school supplies, clothes, or even food for their families. Imagine the joy and excitement!
“Special money” refers to any additional funds a sponsor wishes to send to their sponsored child or elder. Doreen, a fieldworker, says “The gifts were well used by families according to different needs. Some used the gifts to pay school fees, hostels, and school upkeep, others bought school uniforms, stationary, and scholastic materials, bedding, and other families bought food.”
Christopher, a grade 11 student in our sponsorship program, and his family received a generous gift from his sponsor. “His room had worn-out iron sheets that leaked rain,” Doreen says, “Additionally, Christopher used to rely on kerosene lamps to light up his room at night, which was not always possible, since kerosene is expensive,” Doreen says.
Thanks to his donor’s support through the special money gift, Christopher used his gift of special money to improve his living conditions. “The money he got from his sponsor allowed him to purchase new [iron sheets] that protect his room from damage,” Doreen says. With the remaining funds, he also purchased two solar panels and a solar lamp that allows his room to shine at night.
“His parents and siblings were very happy with the gift,” Doreen says, “and says that they will continue praying for Christopher’s sponsor.”
Christopher plans to work extra hard on his studies to make his family and sponsor proud. Doreen says “Christopher and his family thank his sponsor for bringing hope to him and his family.”
“We have witnessed the drastic changes that special money has brought to vulnerable homes,” Doreen says. “Many families and their lives have been greatly transformed.”
Families are incredibly thankful for gifts of special money during difficult times send a gift of special money.