About Us
This group has been established solely to find sponsors for the Annamani children in India. The woman running the home where all the children are residing is Durga Annamani. At the moment she is raising 19 orphaned or abandoned children. Durga is needing sponsors so these children can stay in school and complete their education. Durga does not get any public funding or state funding. Because of the area she lives in there are no organizations able to help her get these children on a sponsorship program.
Behind Annamani children is Nancy Millar who has been in touch with Durga through letters and e-mails for over three years. Nancy has been providing financial help to Durga during this time as much as she could, but there are so many children in the household who need help.
Gerry, Natasha and Susan, who sponsor children through other orgs, have joined forces with Nancy to help Durga find sponsors for the children. Our mission is to provide school fees for ALL the children and make sure they have food and clothes to wear. You are most welcome to join us in our mission and show Annamani children that we hear them, and that we care for them!
United With Hope is a registered 501(c)3 charity and all donations are tax deductible for US tax payers.
How do I sponsor a child?
There is a list of children who are waiting for sponsorship on the Annamani blog. See the page “How to Help”. If you are already a member of our Yahoo group you can find the list in the Database. If you see a child you are interested in, please contact us at annamanichildren@gmail.com
How do I make payments?
Payments can be made through PayPal. See the “How to Help” page. You can make a one time donation or make monthly payments. If you live in the US you can also send a check or money order.
What % of my payment goes to my child, what % is used on administration?
95% of your payments will go towards your child and 5% will be used on PayPal fees and transfer fees from the US to India. Our work is volunteer and we do not take any percentage of your money.
May I send letters & photos to my sponsored child?
Yes, of course. When writing please take into consideration the poverty in which your child is living. It’s not appropriate in most Asian countries to use red ink for handwritten letters. A simple postcard, bookmark, photos of you and your family will make your sponsored child very happy and your letters of encouragement will bring much joy that someone in the world cares for him/her. (See letter writing tips on the Yahoo board!)
Where do I send letters?
When you sign up to sponsor a child you will receive a child profile information sheet through e-mail with a small biography of your child and a mailing address in India.
May I send gifts to my child?
Yes you can, but please do not send large packages. Small padded envelopes are best. Do not include valuable items such as jewelery, money or electronic games. Also do not include liquids of any kind or sharp objects. Make sure to mark the package as having no value and as a gift on the custom declaration form. We are not responsible for any packages that get lost or stolen.
Can I send money for birthdays, Christmas, etc?
Yes, you can. If you send a donation through PayPal please write your child’s full name in the comment box and the reason for sending the money, example, a birthday gift, etc. If you send a check please include a letter with your child’s name and any instructions.
Will I receive a photo of my child with the things I sent or with the things bought with the money I sent?
YES! You will receive a photo of your sponsored child with items purchased in India. Also you will receive a photo of your child with any sent parcel.
How often will I receive letters/photos?
As all sponsors have direct e-mail communication with Durga we offer only one handwritten letter a year to save on the cost of postage for the Annamani household. These letters are being written at Christmas time.
You can expect lots of photos!
Can the children speak/write English?
Yes, all the children in the Annamani household learn the English language. The youngest may use “bad grammar” which is cute, but it is a blessing when you compare letters after a few years and see the progress your child is making thanks to your continuous support.
Do we receive updates on their progress at home and school?
Yes, regular updates will be posted on the blog and on the Yahoo board. If it is something that directly concerns your child we will contact you privately.
Does this group have a religious association or message?
Although Durga is Christian she accepts children of all religions and castes into her home.
