Most important are the school supplies themselves! While I love to fit as many fun gifts into backpacks as possible, I try to remember that the main point of the program is to send children to school and send fun and quality school supplies. The items I am sending to each child are: 5-6 composition notebooks (chosen because the harder covers are less likely to bend en route), 24 pencils, 2 packs of colored pencils, 2 pencil sharpeners, and 2+ erasers. Older children are also receiving pens and scientific calculators. Younger children are also receiving crayons. One girl specifically requested Wite Out correction tape, so she will receive this too. I especially love the pencils I chose for some of my older girls, which are pastel colored on the outside but have rainbow shavings when sharpened. The older girls’ backpacks have clear pockets in the front where they can display whatever they choose, even photos.
Both styles of older girl bags with one set of supplies
I’ve been sponsoring children for ten years now, which means many of the girls who I’ve sponsored since they were little are becoming teenagers. Their needs are increasing and they are starting to express more of their goals and interests. Two girls specifically are already working towards their careers. Saudy (13) is learning to make and sell jewelry. Estefani (16) is taking lessons to style acrylic nails. So, I gathered a bunch of supplies to help as they get started. I plan to visit Honduras right around the time backpacks are sent, so half of each girls’ supplies will actually be given to them during the visit and half will be sent in backpacks. I am showing all of it here since I’m not sure exactly how it will be divided.
All of Saudy's bead supplies (UPDATE: The princess set in the top ended up going to one of my other girls instead.)
After the school supplies and toy, sponsors can fill the remaining space in their child’s backpack with just about anything. When I asked for feedback on their favorite gifts from last year’s backpacks, almost all of my girls mentioned the diaries. So, I wanted to send more writing supplies. I filled these organza bags with journals, colored pen sets, and stickers. My younger girls who aren’t old enough to write yet are instead getting plastic beads.
Most of my girls in the 12-17 age range will also receive a nail polish set. I wanted to send an extra pretty gift since their clothing isn’t as colorful and fun as the younger girls. I chose nail polish rather than more jewelry because it’s an activity they can do with friends. I usually avoid liquids for fear they will break and leak; but I felt strongly that this was the right gift, so I am taking the risk. One of the program leaders told me nail polish has arrived safely in the past and was greatly loved by the girls. The nail polish bottles will be individually wrapped in paper towels, placed inside of a ziplock bag, and then inside of a cosmetic bag. If you don’t want to send liquids, you can send nail stickers such as these, these, and these. Or fake nails like these. I’m sending these floral nail stickers with their upcoming letters, which should arrive around the same time as backpacks. Another idea of a beauty item that can be shared with friends is hair chalk, though this is less practical for everyday use.
To encourage spiritual growth, I included bibles for the 4 girls who haven’t gotten one from me before, and Christian books for everyone else. The older girls will receive either Live Your Faith or A Girl’s Guide to Making Good Decisions. These books by Elizabeth George are extremely important topics for this age range- encouraging girls to not simply learn the Word of God, but also to live it. The younger girls will receive The Jesus Storybook Bible, which is a wonderful storybook that points all stories, both old and new testament, to salvation in Jesus.
I still hope to add toothbrushes, and keychains to hang on the backpacks. Other than these things, my gifts are complete!
