Yes, we’ll send a receipt to the email address you provide when donating. The receipt will include your donation details, such as the date, amount, and any beneficiary information.

No. The Emiliani Project does not facilitate child adoptions, nor do we provide adoption advice or guidance. Our focus is getting the children off the street and in a loving and protective environment.

Please Sponsor Samuel Lopez!

Q: Is my donation secure?

Yes. Your security and privacy is our highest priority. We use industry-standard SSL technology to keep your information safe and secure.

Q: How is my personal data handled?

Your personal data is processed in accordance with our privacy policy and also in accordance with the privacy policy of GoFundMe, our website partner.

Q: Is this donation tax deductible?

We are a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization and your donation is tax-deductible within the guidelines of U.S. law. To claim a donation as a deduction on your U.S. taxes, please keep your email donation receipt as your official record. We'll send it to you upon successful completion of your donation.

Q: How long does my sponsorship commitment last?

Hopefully forever! Although we hope you will make a long term commitment to our organization, you may stop your contribution at any time. You can cancel by logging into this Sponsorship portal.

Q: What happens after I sponsor a child?

You will immediately receive an email confirmation of the details of your sponsorship. Then, an Emiliani staff member will contact you by email to confirm your sponsorship details and to answer any additional questions you may have.

Q: Can I visit my sponsored child?

Yes! Every year, we organize mission trips for volunteers who want to help with the children or with the ongoing maintenance of our home. Please visit our Volunteer page for more information.

Q: What makes The Emiliani Project different from other organizations?

Emiliani is a 100% volunteer organization operated in the US to help orphaned and abandoned children. 100% of your sponsorship donations go directly to our projects that supply the care, support and education for these children.

We are a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization, and your donation is tax deductible within the guidelines of U.S. law. Please keep your receipt as your official record. We'll email it to you upon successful completion of your donation.

Samuel Lopez Duque

Nickname: Samuel
Birthday: 7/28/2016
Gender: Male
Siblings: 1
Entrance Date: 7/22/2025
Grade: 3
Home Level: 1

About Samuel: Samuel has an older sister who lives independently from him and his mother.

Yamir, Samuel's mother, works at Hogar de Cristo as a training assistant; both of them came in search of a quiet and safe place. Their father passed away a few years ago, and the grieving process has been difficult for both of them.

Hobbies & Sports: Samuel likes basketball, and in his free time he enjoys spending time with his family and playing street games; his favorite game is dodgeball.

What does Samuel want to be when he grows up? When Samuel grows up, he wants to be a professional painter.

!!! Updates for Samuel !!!

Samuel is a 9-year-old boy from Moravia, creative, reflective, and full of love. He describes himself as someone who enjoys physical activity and free recreation. He has a curious palate, with Hawaiian pasta (with pineapple and ham) being his favorite food. Despite carrying a deep wish to see his father and his pet again, Samuel radiates hospitality and warmth, inviting others to experience the fun and natural atmosphere of his home at the foundation.

Samuel arrived at Hogar de Cristo one year ago with his mother, Yamir, who currently works at the foundation as a training assistant. They both came seeking a peaceful and safe environment following the passing of Samuel's father a few years ago-a grieving process that has been a profound challenge for both of them. Samuel has an older sister who lives independently. At the foundation, Samuel has found the ideal space to heal, grow, and develop his natural talents in a tranquil setting.

What's new in school? Samuel is an enthusiastic student whose favorite subject is Natural Sciences. He is passionate about learning about the animal kingdom and feels fortunate to live in an environment where he can observe species he had never seen before, such as woodpeckers, geese, and even nests in their natural state. He is a detail-oriented observer who integrates what he learns in class with his daily surroundings, showing great respect for the biodiversity around the foundation.

What does he do after school? He is a very active member of the community garden activities, where he has learned to plant green onions and beans; he even has his own plant named "Yuyo." Additionally, he stands out in artistic activities, filling his notebooks with drawings during his free time. Thanks to his good behavior and effort, he has achieved goals and earned rewards such as pool trips and field excursions, which reinforces his learning about kindness and respect.

What are his sports and hobbies? Drawing is his great passion and the "gift" he feels he was born with; he dreams of becoming a professional illustrator. Regarding sports, he enjoys playing basketball and soccer on the field, his favorite spot, where he also has fun with traditional games like tag and hide-and-seek. He has a special connection with animals, especially the foundation's cat, with whom he identifies because of its independence and ability to achieve its goals.

Frequently asked questions

Is my donation secure?

Do I get a receipt?

How is my personal data handled?

Is this donation tax deductible?

How long does my sponsorship commitment last?

What happens after I sponsor a child?

Can I adopt a child?

Am I the only sponsor for a child?

No. Unlike most of the other child sponsorship programs, we allow a child to have multiple sponsors. Other sponsorship organizations provide many wonderful services for their children; food, clothing, education. We are a little bit different in that we are operating a Home for these kids and thus also provide them with a place to live, staff to cook food for them them and teachers to educate them.

Can I visit my sponsored child?

What makes The Emiliani Project different from other organizations?

What happens if a child leaves the home?

Many kids at the home are in volatile situations where they may have family members in the area, but are unable to provide for their children. Although we are given guardianship over the children, family members, according to Colombian law, maintain their authority. If a family member arrives to claim responsibility, we are obligated to relinquish the child to them. If this happens, you will be notified and your sponsorship will be moved to a new child, so that you can continue helping children.