They said no money, food, jewelry, or clothes. It must fit inside a standard #10 envelope. The only examples given were stickers, postcards, or stationary. That doesn't seem very fun. Other organizations don't limit as much. I wonder why.
Those ideas are probably not fun for some children here who have loads of electronics, games and more to do.
For a child who has no paper to write on, stickers, etc... What is suggested could be a real treat!
In the Food for the Hungry FAQ, they explain why: "While giving a gift in some cultures can be a meaningful gesture, in many of the areas we work, sending gifts can cause jealousy and hostility between the children in the community. "
So listen to what they say and comply with the rules so that you do not cause problems for your sponsored child.
The things listed can be used as contraband in lots of lower income areas. I would ask them for a specific list. If they say stickers then send stickers or nothing extra.
Perhaps going with a different organization would be more fun. But researching the area where your items are going might help you to find new ideas. The only thing I could think of was wipes...it's hot in so many other countries right now and they might be too hot.
Many times when money is sent it is NOT used for the purpose you sent it. My husband was stationed in the Philippines and his ex-wifes sister used to receive money for her daughter. What mom did was play card games. Need I say more!!
I've sponsored children through Compassion International for over 20 years. I've never sent anything except letters, family photos, and occasionally a postcard. At Christmas and birthdays an additional amount is sent with my monthly sponsorship. The local sponsorship center will purchase things that the child needs or wants. That is pretty standard for any child sponsorship program. Unless you are doing the Christmas shoeboxes through Samaritan's Purse. They take shoeboxes full of approved items only at Christmas. But, the boxes go to various sites around the world. You don't get to choose which child it goes to.
I would assume shipping (cost and how it is bundled).
Some organizations I have made these gift for, request $7 per box for shipping. Also, the box has to be a standard shoe box.
Well, consider this: with many charities, the children live in orphanages. It is hard to have some kids receiving nicer "more fun" items while others do not have that available to them. I would stick with what they have requested, small things not likely to be stolen. Postcards can be fun, in my opinion. Stationary--- so the kids actually have *paper* to write on at their own discretion-- would be a treat. So would stickers. You are thinking of this from a first world perspective. Try seeing it from the perspective of a child who likely has few such temporal (disposable, as it were) items of their own to play with and enjoy. I mean, if your family is in poverty, are they going to be buying you food or stickers?
