The cost

How would you define poverty? Lack of food, no access to clean water?

I myself have never been in the predicament of having only one worn out dress, one pair of too small shoes or not having a bucket to hold the water I needed to fetch for my family. May-be not having soap to wash or the luxury of having a little sugar. What if I did not have a mat to sleep on or no school?
The most important thing is letting a child know you value them and that you love them.
I don't know what your sponsor kids needs are if you have them, but my guess is that you don't know what their needs are either.
Please consider finding that out and sponsor them back. You may be the one person in their lives that care.