|
What is the purpose of El Sauzal’s sponsorship program? |
A: Our mission is twofold. First, we desire to strengthen relationships between you (our donors and supporters) and the children and staff at the orphanage. This connection is made by pairing each donor with a specific child at El Sauzal Orphanage. Secondly, we aim to establish a more secure financial base for El Sauzal through regular giving. (Back to top.) |
|
Do my donations go directly to the child I choose to sponsor? |
A: Our first priority is to help you understand that your sponsorship money will not go directly as cash to the child you choose to sponsor. It isn’t reserved in an account in that child’s name to use for things like clothing or toys. When you choose to sponsor a child, you are connecting yourself in a unique way to the whole organization. Your donations will go to meeting the basic, felt needs of not only your child, but the children of the whole orphanage. Depending on the time of year, these needs and expenditures will vary. Maintenance needs may take up most of your donation one month, while school supplies could top the list during another. Needs that never change include electricity, water, taxes, and supplies like food and toilet paper.
Why choose to sponsor a child as opposed to sending general donations? There are advantages for both you and us! El Sauzal will be better able to calculate and anticipate monthly giving, and you will be connected to us through one child. You will receive updates on your sponsored child, including photos, and you will have the opportunity to see one of the orphanage’s children grow over the years. What a blessing for the orphanage and for you! (Back to top.) |
|
How much of my donation goes directly to the orphanage? |
A: All of the workers of El Sauzal Foundation help on a volunteer basis. We have no corporate office. Our overhead costs remain low. Historically, of donations directed to El Sauzal, about 95% of the money goes directly to the orphanage, while about 5% is used by El Sauzal Foundation, Inc. for communication, fundraising, and other operating expenses. (Back to top.) |
|
How much does it cost to sponsor a child? |
A: It costs the orphanage $377 per child per month to operate. We encourage those who are able to prayerfully consider fully supporting one child on a monthly basis. You can also choose to give $200, $100, $75, $50, or $25 a month. Regardless of the dollar amount you are able to give, your generosity will be a blessing and a support to El Sauzal Orphanage. (Back to top.) |
|
What different ways can I pay to sponsor a child? |
A: You can choose to pay through several methods. You can download and print a form to mail with a check or cash. You can choose to sponsor through Paypal, which will automatically make the monthly payments for you from your credit card or bank account. Finally, you can set up an automatic payment through your bank. (Back to top.) |
|
Will I receive a monthly statement of giving? |
A: El Sauzal Foundation, Inc. will provide you with a statement of giving on an annual basis. (Back to top.) |
|
How often will I get updates on my sponsored child? |
A: We will send out updates on a quarterly basis. These will be sent via email unless you do not provide an email address in your contact information. In that case, you can expect updates in your regular mail. (Back to top.) |
|
Will my sponsored child write to me? |
A: Unfortunately, we can’t guarantee that your sponsored child will write to you. But as mentioned above, we are committed to keeping you updated on your child. (Back to top.) |
|
Can I send gifts to my sponsored child? |
A: We ask that sponsors send monetary gifts rather than packaged gifts for children. Because our children are outside the U.S., high customs charges and the possibility of damage, loss, or theft make sending packaged gifts difficult and expensive. Moreover, cash gifts allow us to evenly distribute what is received so that some children are not showered with gifts while others receive none.
However, you are encouraged to write to your sponsored child, especially on his or her birthday. You are welcome to include lightweight items with your letters or greeting cards. Snapshots, balloons, paper dolls, or stickers make wonderful gifts. (Back to top.) |
|
How can I write to the child I sponsor? |
A: “Snail Mail” is ideal for letters. Letters can be sent to
El Sauzal Foundation, Inc.
625 Shady Lane
Placentia, CA 92870 (Back to top.) |
|
Is it possible to visit my sponsored child? |
A: We always welcome visitors to El Sauzal Orphanage! The calendar of events for El Sauzal can be found at www.elsauzal.org, and visits can be arranged through the website. (Back to top.) |
|
What if my child leaves the orphanage? |
A: Sometimes our children are returned to parents or family members, or they leave the orphanage for a variety of other reasons. (Read about how the children are brought to El Sauzal.) If this happens, we will contact you to see if you would like to sponsor another child. (Back to top.) |
|
What if my contact information changes? |
A: Please contact the program coordinator immediately so we can keep updated, accurate information. You can email gary.stark@elsauzal.org with any information changes. (Back to top.) |
|