If you are considering sending a gift, we ask that you also consider sending a letter with the gift. Although the gift alone can be a great blessing, the relationship built is often more important than the gift as it strengthens the relationship between you and your child.
If you choose to send a letter or small gifts, please use a 6”x9” or smaller envelope and avoid sending more than two at a time. It’s important to note that sending large packages or extravagant gifts to your sponsored child can create an unhealthy dependency on handouts. Please refrain from wrapping your gifts inside the envelope, as they will be unwrapped before delivery. Also, keep in mind cultural differences and avoid sending cards or gifts related to holidays not celebrated in your child’s country, such as Halloween.
While we do our best to deliver all items as quickly as possible, we cannot guarantee that they will reach the field. Allow 6-8 weeks for your correspondence to reach your child. During the Christmas season, it may take a bit longer, so please send Christmas correspondence by the end of August. Please refrain from asking your child if they received previous gifts or letters. You should receive a thank-you note from your child for each gift you send, but it may take up to six months.
When sending letters or gifts, please put them in a 6”x9” or smaller envelope with your child’s name and ID number on it, and then into a second 7”x10” or smaller envelope with the MOHI address. Please do not send envelopes larger than 7”x10”, as packages that appear valuable may be held in customs until a fee is paid, which is not feasible for families in our program. All correspondence with your child should be sent to the address listed on your child’s profile card. Please follow ALL of these steps when sending items:
1. Put all items in an envelope that is 6”x9” or smaller.
2. Write the child’s full name, ID number, and school name on the outside of the envelope. Do not include a return address.
3. Put the first envelope into a second one that is 7”x10” or smaller, or wrap the first envelope in shipping paper.
4. Write the mailing address for your child on the outer envelope or layer of shipping paper. Your child’s profile card has this information. Include a return address, this layer will be removed by field personnel and not given to your child. This step will keep your contact information private.
5. Check with the post office for accurate weight and international postage rates. Do not send as priority, express, certified, or flat rate.
6. If you must fill out a customs form, indicate that the contents are of minimal value, a few dollars at most.
Please do not send letters or gifts to MOHI’s US Office, they will be sent back to you.
Mailing Address:
Missions of Hope International
(Child’s name and ID number)
(School name)
PO Box 71484
Nairobi 00622
Kenya
