Whether they’re short or long, your messages can bring life-changing encouragement and point your sponsored child to Jesus.
Every message, photo and printable activity is scanned, translated, sent digitally to the relevant Compassion field office and printed locally for your sponsored child.
Want to make your mail even more exciting? Include flat paper goodies like photos, drawings, coloring pages or printable activities.
Did you know you can send more than a message?
Photos. Drawings. Coloring pages. Printable activities. Paper crafts.
Lots of fun possibilities await!
Before we dive into all the creative extras you can send, here’s something important: The words you write will always be the greatest gift.
“I started to feel anxious … But I remembered a message from my sponsor when she said, ‘God has a plan for your future’. This gives me confidence and hope.”
— Thidarat, sponsored teen, Thailand
And yes, you can send a few fun surprises too!
Let’s explore what you can send, what you can’t and the easiest ways to brighten your sponsored child’s day.
6. Creative Paper Extras
If it fits in an envelope and lies flat, it's worth considering! Paper dolls, bookmarks, word searches, calendars, printable puzzles and other paper surprises can add a little extra fun to your sponsored child's day. As long as it will scan, it’s good to go.
Simple Messaging Pointers to Follow
With millions of letters traveling back and forth between sponsors and children each year — many to and from some of the world’s most remote regions — delivering physical mail to 29 field offices is costly and complex.
That’s why every letter and paper item is scanned, sent digitally and printed locally. This helps us steward resources wisely while speeding up the process and ensuring letters arrive as soon as possible.
While we can’t send every physical item, your sponsored child won’t miss out on the fun. Compassion centers are joyful places where children can create and learn together. Many centers have art supplies and hands-on activities so kids have plenty of opportunities to explore their creativity!
Please follow these simple guidelines to help your sponsored child receive everything quickly and easily.
Paper items should between 3 x 5” and 8 ½ x 11”.
You can mail up to six sheets of paper at a time for each child.
Write your sponsor ID and your sponsored child’s name and ID on each paper item.
Include a written note with the items you send.
Because of how our digital delivery system works, please include a written note when you send paper items. It doesn’t need to be long. The message could be as simple as “God loves you, and I’m praying for you.”
These items don’t scan well, so please don’t send:
Stickers, glitter, glue or tape.
Anything 3D, like books, ribbons, bracelets or plastic items.
Electronic items like musical cards.
Three Easy Ways to Write
Good news: Writing a message is simple. Choose whichever option works best for you.
Online by logging in to My Account.
On the Compassion mobile app, available from the App Store or Google Play.
By mail using Compassion-provided stationery (download it here) or your own favorite paper. Write your sponsor ID and your sponsored child’s name and ID on each paper item you send.
Most sponsors write online because it’s quick and convenient. It allows you to view your conversation history, save drafts to finish later and upload photos without printing them first.
Love pen and paper?
If you enjoy the traditional paper-and-pen experience — and there’s something wonderfully satisfying about writing on a fresh sheet of stationery — we’ve got you covered.
You can use Compassion-provided stationery or even your own favorite paper.
Mail your letters to:
Compassion International
PO Box 5057
Boone, IA 50950-0057
Why Your Letters Matter
Whether they’re short or long, the messages you write to your sponsored child can breathe life and hope into their heart. When Thidarat was worried about moving from her small village to the bustling city to study at university, her sponsor’s words gave her courage.
“When I feel alone and discouraged by things that are hard, I go back to read the letters from my sponsor,” she says. “Every letter encourages me to keep believing in myself.”
Children treasure your letters. We often see them carefully tucked away in boxes under beds, displayed proudly on bedroom walls and reread whenever a child needs a reminder that they matter, that things can get better.
That’s how we see the role of a sponsor: as an encourager.
The Bible compares the Christian life to a long-distance race, and we like to picture ourselves standing beside the track as each sponsored child runs past. We’re cheering them on every step of the way:
“You’ve got this!”
“I believe in you!”
“Keep going!”
“I’m so proud of you!”
Poverty makes every day a constant challenge. But your words remind your sponsored child that they’re loved. That they have God-given gifts and a beautiful future. And that you believe they can make it there.
Every message you write is a reminder to a child that someone across the world is praying for them, believing in them and cheering them on.
So grab your favorite pen — or open My Account — and start writing. Your words might become a treasured keepsake that encourages your sponsored child for years to come!
