Children International has been helping impoverished children since 1936. They help children in several countries throughout the world, including India, the Philippines, Guatemala, Ecuador, the Dominican Republic, Zambia, and many more. By providing children with essentials for daily living, which includes medical care, clothing, education, nutritional aid, and housing, your monthly gift of only $22 can make a huge difference in the life of a child! I strongly encourage you to visit the website for more information: http://www.children.org.

Not only are you providing a child with necessities, but you are also building a relationship that both you and your child will remember for the rest of your lives! You have the opportunity to write to your child as much as you wish, and your child will write back to you, usually with drawings and information about their country, what they enjoy doing for fun, what they're learning at school, and their family life. Once a year, you will receive an updated photo of your child and their background information. You will have the opportunity to give money for Christmas, Easter, Special Hug Day, and their birthday, which provides children with extra special gifts, making them feel loved and special. I urge you to visit the website and consider sponsoring a child today: http://www.children.org.

I got involved with Children International in 2001. I received some information in the mail, and I signed up to sponsor Mario Israel Rugel Rugel, who was 13 at the time. I watched him grow up and corresponded with him on a regular basis. When a child reaches 19, they leave the program, so it was with sadness and also happiness for his future that Mario wrote to me one last time last year. After I lost Mario, I gained Kevin!

In 2003, I took on two more children, Alyssa and Katherine, feeling that I could easily afford to provide for these lovely children. In 2005, I added Jhon, Alvin, and Daniela. In 2006, Tuhina and Liwanga. I now sponsor 8 children, knowing that I am doing my small part in helping make this world a better place.

One thing I especially love has been the chance to provide special gifts, above and beyond birthdays and the holidays. By giving $100, you will receive photos of when your child was presented with their gift(s) and a report on their reaction and what was provided. Mario didn't have a bed to sleep on, and for only $100, he was able to have a comfortable place to sleep at night. Most of these kids live in families that make less than $200/month, some only $50. Can you imagine? They live in concrete block houses, usually with only one room for everyone to sleep in, live in, and eat in. Few have running water or electricity. Many have to use community facilities. Again, can you imagine?

I realize that there is poverty in the United States, but when I see the conditions of people from other places in this world, I realize how well off we are, indeed. Most poor people here are rich compared to those in third world countries, and it doesn't take much, only $22/month, to help a child in need. What's $22 to you? Dinner for two, or even one? A week's worth of Starbucks? A fairly inexpensive shirt or blouse? That $22 is cheaper than your cable or satellite, cheaper than your internet service, cheaper than your cell phone bill, right? Most likely yes. Most of us have these "extras," even those who are in the lower middle class.

I sincerely believe we are called to help others. That is unconditional love. That is the purpose of life. Most of us live selfishly, and I'll be the first to admit that I'm guilty of this. So, please, read about "my children" below and consider sponsoring one of your own today! Thank you! God bless you!

Age: 12
Country: Dominican Republic
Favorite subjects: math and grammar
Hobbies: singing, embroidery, playing with friends and dolls

Age: 9
Country: Zambia
Favorite subjects: math, reading, and writing
Hobbies: drawing, sports, soccer, playing with friends

Age: 11
Country: Philippines
Favorite subjects: math and science
Hobbies: dancing, singing, playing with dolls

Age: 9
Country: Ecuador
Favorite subjects: reading and math
Hobbies: soccer, playing with cars and toys, drawing, painting

Age: 7
Country: Guatemala
Favorite subjects: math and art
Hobbies: drawing, painting, playing with dolls

Age: 10
Country: Philippines
Favorite subjects: languages
Hobbies: basketball, drawing, reading

Age: 14
Country: India
Favorite subjects: languages
Hobbies: singing, playing outdoor games

Age: 15
Country: Philippines
Favorite subjects: science
Hobbies: basketball, drawing