http://www.plan-uk.org/
My family have been sponsors of a young girl in Ecuadaor for about 8 years now.
We pay �14 a month and whilst 'Veronica' is ourpersonal link to her vilage the money goes towards community based projects such as schooling, mdecial facilities, farming, water and sanitation etc.
You are encouraged to write to your sponsored child as much as you can and we look forward to getting her letters back.
Plan have a gift catalogue of practical items that can be brought and sent your child for birthdays and Christmas but this doesn't prevent you sending your own gifts as long as they are sensible and appropriate.
You also receive refular newsletters from Plan plus community/country updates.
Hope this helps.
Peter