Because our children live in community with each other, like a very large family, we work hard to treat them all with love and kindness so each and every child feels like an equal recipient of this care. As in any family, we try to avoid one child feeling more favored than another. It is for this reason that things are done a bit differently at El Hogar.

For one, our children have very few personal possessions. Yet, they have a room full of toys, games, activities and supplies that are available to them daily – and they are shared equally. What they do keep and save as their personal possessions are letters, cards and photos they may receive from their sponsors

For another, our children do not receive or possess any personal cash to use while they are at El Hogar. When they need something, it is provided. If they are due for a treat because of extra good behavior or some other merit, the staff arranges that for them.

We want to be certain that sponsors understand that when they send or give a gift to a specific child that it becomes shared and used by that child and all the other children as well. With the guidance of our staff, our children learn to feel no possessiveness or jealousy as a result. We want to teach sharing and generosity, so when one child receives a gift and another child does not, rather than feeling resentment, the children all feel joy. This is why we encourage shareable gifts.

In the long run, however, it is often easier for the staff when individual gifts are not given. For this reason, we have developed a few alternatives that sponsors can consider for gift-giving.

With all of these pooled funds, it is a way a sponsor can both acknowledge and honor their child and at the same time help all the children.

We are encouraging sponsors to consider any of these Funds as an alternative to sending or bringing a physical gift to their child. For El Hogar, these Funds actually are extremely beneficial and helpful to our children and the staff who care for them so lovingly.

Checks for any of these funds can be sent to our Massachusetts office at:

If you still have questions regarding ourgift-giving policy or any of our special funds, please contact us by email at elhogar@3crowns.org or by phone at 781-729-7600.




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