Children International supporter Chris Aragon (left, in white shirt) visited the youth he sponsors in the Philippines in 2025.
United States veteran Christopher Aragon sought to help children in need when he became a Children International sponsor nearly 10 years ago. Little did he know that his consistent commitment would grow into a personal connection that would eventually take him across the globe.
Chris, a retired U.S. Marine with more than 30 years of service, came across Children International in 2017, while browsing online. He learned that the global nonprofit works with children and youth in 10 countries to break the cycle of generational poverty and began reading the stories of young people enrolled in the program.
“It grabbed my heart right away,” Chris said. “I thought, this is something I can do to help someone across the world who doesn’t even know who I am.”
What began as a monthly commitment to one child in the Philippines quickly became a meaningful relationship with two youths. Over the years, Chris exchanged letters and updates with the children he supported, following their progress and celebrating milestones along the way. Riona, the first child he sponsored, remained in the program for about seven years before graduating. Today, he sponsors another child located in the Philippines – 13-year-old Cyrille, who hopes to one day become an architect.
Though the children lived thousands of miles away from his home on the West Coast, the regular exchange of letters and photos helped build a genuine connection.
“You start with letters and pictures,” he said. “Over time, the relationship becomes bigger than you would ever imagine.”
That connection became even more real in 2025 when Chris traveled to the Philippines and had the opportunity to meet Riona and Cyrille and their families.
“It’s one of those core memories you will never forget,” he said. Chris shared meals with the families and enjoyed getting to know more about Riona and Cyrille, as he shared more about himself. In one memorable outing, the group spent time singing karaoke — a popular pastime in the Philippines.
For Chris, the visit reinforced the deeper purpose of sponsorship. It wasn’t just about providing financial support; it also was about investing in a young person’s future and witnessing the impact of his commitment on the people supporting that young person.
“It’s not just helping one child,” he said. “Children International helps the entire family break the cycle of poverty.”
During his visit, Chris also met Children International staff members — including some of whom once participated in the sponsorship program. Connecting with thriving graduates left him even more impressed with the organization’s mission.
Children International supporter Chris Aragon (rear left, navy shirt) also visited with Children International Philippines staff and met several team members who were graduates of the sponsorship progam.
“When you see someone who was once in the program now helping others, you realize this really works,” he said. “It’s not just about helping a child for a few years. It’s about creating opportunities that last.”
Over the years, Chris has provided support beyond his monthly sponsorship by sending birthday greetings, holiday gifts and additional contributions whenever permitted.
What began as a simple act of generosity has become a lasting reminder that compassion, connection and opportunity can reach across borders and transform lives.
Comments
cheskim
Oct 14, 2026
We visited our sponsored children(8) once over a decade ago in the Pilippines. It was really great meeting them, and also the staff at the centers in Albay and Quezon City. We had a great time sharing meals, and going shopping with them. Over a year ago we tried to arrange for a visit, but it didn't materialized, We submitted and paid for a background check, and once we got cleared, we started the process but we kinda changed our mind when we found out about all the things that were needed to be done first. They need to know your flight/hotel itineraries while in the Philippines for the safety of the kids, and also need to first pay some required fees to arrange the meeting (which is understandable). The fee is reasonable for a single child, but if you have a half a dozen of more sponsored kids, that adds up pretty fast. Being retired and on a fixed income, we felt that it's probably better not to proceed, and just send the little money to the kids here and there, and donate a bit to UNICEF, and other charities for children. Hoping that we will have the chance to meet them again through C.I. or by other means before they graduate from the program on our bi-annual visits to Bicol, and Manila.
Michael_aa531
Oct 15, 2026
i have been a Children International child sponsor since the mid-1980's. A number of years ago while serving as a diplomat at the US Embassy in Manila, I visited CI's Manila headquarters to arrange a visit with my sponsored child. In short I was given the run around and eventually lost interest. As i was living in the Philippines at the time, I regret not taking the initiative to ignore the headquarters staff and traveling to Bicol on my own for a visit. Although I continue to sponsor a child I remain highly suspicious of the organization's tactics and motivations.
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