Q: How long has Children Helping Children existed?
A: The Children Helping Children initiative (CHC) was founded in 2001 by Susan Randlett, MSW. The idea of sponsoring impoverished children through schools has been circulated by word of mouth to various parts of the United States and other developed countries since this time. However, until this web site was established in October 2006, there has been no way of tracking who has implemented this concept.
Q: Does any of the money we donate go to Children Helping Children?
A: Money does not go to Children Helping Children. CHC is only an idea to promote the sponsorship of our world's children through other children.
Q: How do I know where the money is going?
A: You may investigate your charitable organization through one of the philanthropic agencies listed under CHECK YOUR CHARITY or contact the organization directly. Any reputable agency will provide you with an annual financial report.
Q: What happens if I have difficulty with one of the agencies listed?
A: This should not be a problem. All the charities listed on this web site have been established for many years. However, if you encounter a dilemma that cannot be resolved directly with the agency, please contact us right away at: info@children-helping-children.com.
Q: How can my classroom raise the money to sponsor a child?
A: Your school or individual classrooms can sponsor a child. This can be accomplished in a variety of ways, either through a school wide annual fund raiser or by monthly classroom donations. Some examples of annual events are international culinary art fairs, cultural fairs, bake sales, book sales, flea markets and car washes. For monthly fundraisers, the students could donate one week's allowance, snack money or bring in penny jars. The methods are only limited by your students' imaginations.
Q: How do I fund our sponsored child during the summer months?
A: Have your students double their contributions/efforts for the months of May and June to cover July and August. Or they can set aside a small amount of their donations each month towards a summer fund.
Q: What happens to our sponsorship at the end of the school year?
A: Your classroom can continue to sponsor the same child year after year. Or you can pass this child on to another classroom. Or you can request that one of your families "adopt" your sponsored child.
Q: Are other countries involved in sponsorship?
A: This initiative has been forwarded to several other countries. Unfortunately, prior to this web site there has been no way to track their progress. We are hoping everyone will register and let us know how they are doing.
Q: How can my students contact their sponsored child?
A: Some of the agencies will notify you directly after you apply for sponsorship. You may also request this directly through your charity of choice. Others may not have the capability of providing direct communication with your sponsored child.
Q: Can we choose to sponsor a child in a specific country or area of the United States?
A: Almost all charities will allow this and can supply a list of countries they cover.
Q: How can I easily integrate a teaching format?
A: Check out the LESSON PLAN. Also some sites like www.heifer.org provide educational resources for all ages. This site and others offer additional classroom curriculums to deepen children's understanding of world hunger and poverty.
Q: Can I choose not to sponsor a child and just send a sum of money to an organization?
A: Absolutely.
Q: What if I have other questions or ideas?
A: Please contact us directly at:Â info@children-helping-children.com