What makes Kids Connection different than other sponsorship programs?
Kids Connection is here to facilitate you having a close relationship with your child. We encourage you
to write as many letters as possible, showing them that you care for them and giving them hope. Kids
Connection will never ask you for more funds (birthdays, Christmas, etc) than you already give as a result of your sponsorship
Is it really important to write letters?
The children love to receive mail, just like any children. Many of them have never received mail and wait in anticipation as we read off the names of the children that have a letter. The more you write to them, the more likely you will develop a strong relationship and influence their lives and the more likely you are to receive a response.
How can I send letters?
See the page on writing letters.
Who translates Kids Connection letters?
Translation is primarily done by students studying English in school in Taraz. This allows
Kids Connection to keep costs lower, by not having to hire translators and gives local
students the opportunity to practice their English as well as be exposed to the lives of
children living in the orphanage.
Will I ever hear from my child?
Although Kids Connection will not force children to write letters to their sponsors, most of the children love to write letters when they have received them. They will begin to build a relationship with you through your letters and look forward to news from you. They will be excited to share their lives with you as well. We will give them every opportunity to write letters, including some group writing times and paper to write their letters on.
Will the funds go directly to my child?
Orphanages here in Kazakhstan have funds for basic supplies at the orphanage (clothing, food, etc).
What they do not have money for in their budgets are large-ticket items. Your funds will go into an
account for the orphanage. That account will be used for things that will increase the quality of life for the children. They will feel the individual impact of your gift when we celebrate birthdays and other holidays. 10% of the funds that you give will go towards administrative costs to keep Kids Connection operating.
How can I find out what my donations are being used for?
Interlink Resources updates our blog with activities and projects that we have been doing at
all of the orphanages. Sponsors also receive quarterly newsletters either by email or mail about the work being done by Kids Connection.
If I pay online, will some of my donation be used to pay for processing?
No. Interlink Resources uses Google Checkout for online payments. Currently 100% of your donations made online go to Interlink.
Can a group sponsor a child?
No. A primary aspect of Kids Connection is the ability for children to make a connection with
their sponsor. We have found that when a group sponsor's a child, it is difficult to maintain
consistency. As a result, we have chose not to have groups sponsor children.
Will I receive a reminder to donate?
Yes, you will receive either an email or paper statement (depending on your preference) reminding you that it is time to send in your donation.
Will I receive a statement for tax purposes?
At the end of each year, you will receive a statement listing your donations for tax purposes.
How do letters get to and from sponsors? This process takes at least 4 months by mail and 2 months by email.
• Sponsor writes a letter
• Mail/Email to Kids Connection stateside or give to regional coordinator
• Kids Connection Stateside mails/emails letters over to Kids Connection in country
• The letter is translated by local students and delivered
• Children write a letter back and give it to Kids Connection in country on their next visit
• Letters are translated by local students
• Letters are mailed/emailed to Kids Connection stateside
• Letters are sent to sponsors
If your question was not answered above, please feel free to email us.