4. Can I send a gift/extra money to my child?

Gifts: All gifts given from sponsor to child/youth must go through the ministry director and the UPI sponsorship coordinator to check for appropriateness and safety.  It is important to keep track of these donations for proper recordkeeping of gifts in kind for the ministry and tax-exempt purposes for the sponsor.

The sponsorship coordinator will notify all sponsors of opportunities to send cards, letters and gifts if they desire to their sponsored child or youth at least one month prior to a trip to the ministry countries.  Sponsorship funds may be used to send extra luggage with ministry representatives with gifts and letters from sponsors to their children.

The following is a list of appropriate gifts for sponsors to give to a youth/child

School supplies: pens, pencils, markers, notebooks, folders, composition books, bookmarks, bible verses

Toiletries: soap, toothbrush, washcloth, small shampoo, etc.

Clothes: shirts, pants, skirts, hats, scarfs

Jewelry: necklaces, bracelets

Photos: of your family to give to the child/youth.  Please do not send photos in front of a Christmas tree loaded with gifts. That sends the wrong message to the child.

Christmas Gifts: During the month of October, UPI will reach out on behalf of the ministries regarding Christmas gifts. Some ministries request funds for a Christmas celebration for the whole ministry with all the children receiving the same thing. Other ministries will allow you to send funds for your sponsored child or even the child’s family. An extra donation at that time is not required, but the option is available to you if you so choose.