A New Year of Generosity

Tammy Marino of Unbound shares how the new year can be a time to bless others. 

The coming of a new year so often inspires us to voice aspirations via bold resolutions typically related to diet, exercise, work or family.  

These are so valuable as we continue to shape our lives with a growth mindset and a focus on improvement. But this opportunity for renewal is also a time to reshape our hearts, examine our day-to-day purpose and look at how we can have a meaningful impact on not just ourselves, but the world around us. 

Just as there is some undeniable anticipation that comes with a brand-new notebook filled with blank pages, a new year fills us all with hope and the ability to see ourselves with fresh eyes. In 2 Corinthians 5:17, we learn: “So whoever is in Christ is a new creation: the old things have passed away; behold, new things have come.”  

Bear One Another's Burdens 

When we extend that inward change into outward love, the transformation begins to happen. Each day in communities where Unbound has a presence in Africa, Asia and Latin America, families facing challenging circumstances because of extreme poverty are finding ways to improve their lives.  

They are taking time to reflect on their personal situations — identifying areas for growth, setting goals, doing the work and saving funds to help them meet their goals. 

Galatians 6:2 tells us, “Bear one another’s burdens, and so you will fulfill the law of Christ.” Unbound sponsors are doing just that.  

By walking alongside a child, youth or elder and their family, generous donors help to shoulder some of the weight that comes along with poverty. Monthly contributions help support the needs families prioritize such as education, nutrition, adequate housing and medicine.  

When basic needs are met, families can begin to save toward building, expanding or strengthening their homes or use remaining funds to start small businesses that can drastically change the trajectory for a family, creating a path out of poverty. 

Spreading the Word

Nashville couple Mary and Glenn Kiger have been forever changed by the relationships they’ve created over their 11 years as Unbound sponsors.  

Currently supporting two children and their families (in Guatemala and India), the Kigers have become so passionate about uplifting, empowering and supporting families in need that they are now ambassadors for Unbound — sharing their story of giving with their personal network in hopes of inspiring others to join the Unbound sponsor community and help some of the more than 30,000 individuals on the waiting list for sponsorship. 

Mary noted that every family can benefit from gaining a glimpse into the kinds of hardships people face because of poverty, while creating bonds with children and families in other parts of the world. 

 “It is so important for children to see beyond their bubble and truly understand the kinds of struggles others must overcome,” Mary said. 

One Mother's View

In Guatemala, Berta is a mother of two and her 15-year-old son, Leo, has been sponsored through Unbound for seven years. Berta’s husband works on a coffee and banana farm and the family lives on the farm along with the families of 10 other sponsored children.  

When she recently reflected on how her son’s sponsors have impacted their lives, she shared emotional testimony. 

“[Sponsorship] is beautiful — my life has changed through it,” Berta said. “I’m more communicative with people and with youth. Sometimes I give talks and tell them going to school is valuable, and we must appreciate it.” 

She went on to say, “Don’t settle for little. You can dream big. To achieve things, you have to work and fight to reach your goals.” 

Achieving big goals rarely happens alone. Rather it often requires assistance from friends and family, and sometimes a larger global village. 

As 2026 begins, it is key to recognize that renewal and generosity go hand in hand. By opening our hearts to God’s work and our hands to those in need, we are living out the Gospel values of love, compassion and justice. And we then step into the new year not only refreshed and revitalized but also committed to being a blessing to others. 

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Copyright 2026 Tammy Marino
Images: copyright 2026 Unbound, all rights reserved.