KINDNESS: For 10 years, George H.W. Bush was the secret sponsor of a boy in the Philippines.

Bush learned about Compassion International, a nonprofit that connects sponsors with children from poor communities, in 2001, the organization’s former president, Wess Stafford, told CNN on Tuesday. Bush’s security team did some digging, and after vetting Compassion International, they agreed that he could sponsor 7-year-old Timothy. There were some rules, though; he had to use a pseudonym, to protect Timothy from someone who might target him due to his link to Bush.

For 10 years, Bush sent letters — signed “George Walker” — and funds that paid for Timothy’s education, activities, and food. Stafford screened Bush’s letters, describing them to CNN as being “the most sweet, spirited letters I have read from any sponsor, but he kept giving hints as to who he could be. He was really pushing the envelope.” Bush sent photos of his dog, Sadie, and told Timothy that he was invited to the White House for Christmas. Timothy drew pictures for Bush, who in turn sent him sketch pads, colored pencils, and paint, even though gifts were not allowed.

Lovely.