Jul 19, 2024
Sponsor Spotlight: Meet Sandra Hoverson
Long-time sponsor Sandra Hoverson shares her LPGM story in her own words.
My name is Sandra Hoverson, and I have lived in Minnesota most of my life. I have been married to my husband, Burt for 37 years. I was a teacher in Minneapolis Public Schools for 32 years and my fourth and fifth grade students were very important to me. My last school of the three I taught at, Michael Dowling Environmental Learning Center, included daily integrating students with severe and profound health and learning challenges into my regular education class and our school day.
I loved planning for those students and know those regular education students benefited greatly from those connections and pairings. I always tried to make learning fun as well as enriching. Two of my special interests were teaching my students writing skills, the history of classical music and art, and the cultures of the world. My husband and I have traveled extensively globally, but I unfortunately have not visited India. I am an avid bicycler!
In 2000, as members of WCAL radio sponsorship, I was moved by an article written by one of their announcers, Steve Staruch, whose wife, Naomi, was on the board of directors at LPGM. I had just retired from teaching and missed interacting with the students. After reading Steve’s article about the LPGM organized visit he and his new bride, Naomi, took to India, I decided to become a sponsor.
My first student, Seetha, wrote to me from 2000 to 2002, when she ran away from the school because of a family issue. Unfortunately, her parents could not be convinced to allow her to return to school.
I soon was sent a new girl to sponsor, Kavitha. I loved receiving her letters and artwork. We were then allowed to send small gifts, which I enjoyed doing. It was always impressive to see the beautiful Tamil script and stylistic drawings that each girl lovingly shared with me. Kavitha and I wrote from 2002-2009. She, too was hoping to become a teacher and told me she kept my photo in her locker and looked at it every day!
From 2009 until 2014, Prasanna was my LPGM daughter. We were still sending gifts to our girls, but eventually, a decision was made to allow sponsors to donate money towards small gifts for all of the girls. Some students were receiving gifts while others were not, and that was not good! So I happily sent modest amounts of money to bring small gifts to all of the girls at birthdays and holidays. Rather than writing letters, we began to use the internet for our correspondence.
Preethi and I corresponded from July of 2014 until 2016. She told me her goal was to become a police officer. I especially loved receiving photos each year and admired how beautifully braided their long shiny black hair was tied with ribbons. Pretty ribbons were one of the little gifts I sent Preethi in the mail.
Archana wrote to me from 2016 to 2020, still sending written letters in “snail mail” with beautiful drawings and photos. When it was time to graduate, she told me she was going into nursing! Part of her final letter to me read , “I miss you so much. Because of you, I’m having good and healthy food and snacks every day. Thank you so much for your lovely letters and photos. You are my precious gifts in my life. I won’t forget you and your family. Please pray for me to get good college. My dream is to become Nurse. Every day I will pray for your health and your family members. I miss you my sponsor. Your loving sponsor child, Archana.” LPGM made it possible for me to donate towards Archana’s nursing education.
During 2020, I wrote to sweet Magi and sponsored her, but Covid unfortunately interfered somewhat with our relationship.
In 2022, my most recent “daughter” was Janani. She continues to be my “daughter”, and always addresses me as “Dear Mom” and that touches me deeply! She wrote, “…you are looking so good in the picture. Happy 80th birthday dear. I love my grandpa, granny, mom, dad, two brothers, and you. I always pray for you and your family.” Janani told me she was going to a typewriting institute. I told her how beneficial learning to type was to my teaching career and life. Janani also wants to become a teacher. That makes me very happy!
When I received the information about the Spring Refresh Initiative, I wanted to help with basic needs such as fresh paint, doors on bathroom stalls, and play equipment. I am always impressed with the beautiful uniforms each of the various aged girls wear! They always look so very well cared for and happy!
I have a folder with every letter and photo I have received from my LPGM daughters since 2000. I hope that all the girls I have sponsored through the years are happy, healthy, and that their dreams and wishes come true. I know I will always remember all of them as a dear and great blessing in my life and it was a great privilege to be a part of their lives. I will continue to sponsor girls in India through LPGM as I can clearly see what a positive impact it has on their lives!
