Around the World with CFCA

Q. I don’t know what to write to my friend. Could you offer any suggestions?

A. We are happy that you will be writing to your friend. Children, youth and aging friends eagerly anticipate receiving letters and photos from their sponsors. For both you and your friend, writing letters and sharing photos is the best way to build a strong relationship. But we know that it’s sometimes difficult to get that first letter started.

Here are some topic suggestions:
Your story – age, children, family
Holiday traditions special to your family
Your favorite color, food, memory, sports/games
Interests, profession or hobbies
Weather where you live
The landscape in your geographic area
Cultural activities – art, music, dance, theater
Why you chose your sponsored friend
Ask questions about your friend’s life and dreams
Offer words of encouragement and support

If you don’t have time to write a letter, postcards and pre-printed greeting cards are an easy and quick way to stay in touch with your friend.

Remember: It’s a good rule of thumb to avoid talking about material possessions, money and other topics that could serve to highlight the differences between your circumstances. Please keep these same considerations in mind when sending photographs.

For the privacy and protection of sponsors and sponsored friends, please do not share or ask your friend for personal contact information, including e-mail or home addresses and phone numbers.

Please visit the CFCA writing page for more writing tips, including up-to-date information about mailing costs and how to request more pre-printed labels.