Dear sponsor,
My name is Sofiia. I am 2 years old. I live in a town. I have a big family! I have two brothers and two sisters. My baby sister Eva is very small. She is not one year yet. She laughs and screams and wants to crawl, but she can’t. I love her so much.
My best friend is Melana. We play hide‑and‑seek and tag. I like to visit her. I don’t go to school yet. I stay at home. I like to draw pictures. Drawing is my favorite! We have a cat. His name is Marcel. I play with him and give him food. He is nice and stays with me.
I like potatoes and dumplings and borscht. On holidays I get candy. Candy is yummy! I play with dolls. I cook for them in my toy kitchen. I also like to sleep. At Christmas we stay at home and sometimes go to church. In summer we walk outside and see friends.
When I grow up, I want to help animals. I want to be a doctor for cats and dogs.
Thank you for being my friend and helping me and my family.
Please write me a letter. Do you have animals? What are their names? Do you have children? How old are they?
Love,
Sofiia
Caseworker’s Comments:
Meet Sofiia, a happy and lively toddler whose bright personality brings joy to everyone around her. She is known for being deeply emotional and sensitive, with a caring heart that extends not only to her family but also to the family’s beloved pets. Sofiia delights in spending time outdoors, whether she’s playing tag, kicking a ball, or expressing her creativity through drawing, always filling her days with energy, imagination, and love. Yet behind her cheerful spirit lies a family facing extremely difficult living conditions and in urgent need of support through the Child Sponsorship Program.
Her parents, in their second marriage, are raising five children without a home of their own. They are forced to rent a small apartment in very deplorable condition — one that lacks even the most basic necessities. There is no bathroom inside, and the toilet is outside. The home requires major repairs, and the family does not have essential household appliances such as a refrigerator or washing machine, making daily life and caring for the children especially challenging.
Sofiia’s mother grew up in an orphanage and has no support from relatives. She suffers from chronic leg problems and poor health, which limit her ability to walk and care for the children. Much of the responsibility falls on the oldest daughter, Olha, who cooks, cleans, and looks after her younger siblings with remarkable dedication for her age. The father, despite struggling with arthrosis and constant pain, works tirelessly as a laborer to provide for the family. His income is very small, and they often struggle to afford food, medicine, and other basic needs.
Recently, the family endured another heartbreaking hardship: Sofiia’s brother suffered a severe arm fracture with bone fragmentation. The bone did not heal properly, and he now requires surgery that the family cannot afford.
Despite all these challenges, Sofiia’s family remains united, loving, and resilient. The mother gives as much care and affection as her health allows, and the children are friendly, active, and open-hearted. Yet their situation is made even more precarious by landlords who often refuse to rent to them because of their large family size. Some demand costly repairs at the family’s expense, later threatening eviction or even involving child protective services. This constant instability leaves the parents living in fear and uncertainty.
Thanks to HART’s support, the family has already received a microwave and a bed, which have been a blessing. But their needs remain great, and they require stable, ongoing assistance. Through the Child Sponsorship Program, we can visit them regularly, provide spiritual and material support, offer Bible lessons and developmental activities for the children, and monitor their health and living conditions.
This family has sincere hearts and a genuine desire to improve their lives, but they cannot do it alone. Sofiia and her siblings deserve a safe home, proper care, and the chance to grow up healthy and hopeful. Your prayers and support can make a life-changing difference. We sincerely hope the Lord will send a reliable sponsor who can walk alongside Sofiia’s family during this difficult season.
May the Lord bless everyone who responds with compassion to this urgent need.
