Richmond, Va. - Friday, March 6 - $288. That's how much it costs to sponsor one child for a year through Christian Children's Fund. Through CCF's programs that one child can grow up become a leader in his or her community to bring lasting and positive change.

$2,200. That's how much average tax returns are in the United States. Americans' tax returns can make the world a better place for millions of children around the world.

One sponsorship after another leads to sustainable communities in parts of the world hit hardest by poverty. The United Nations estimates about 2 billion people in the world are living in poverty.

While donations to CCF are tax deductible, Chris Hand, a CCF accountant, believes most donations to nonprofits are done because people feel good doing so and aren't necessarily looking for a tax break.

"I think that most people who give money to a nonprofit do so because they believe in the cause and want to be able to help someone in need," Hand said.

A small portion of an American's unexpected windfall during tax season can go a long way in helping someone less fortunate in one of the 31 countries where CCF works.

In addition to $288 to sponsor one child, CCF offers donors a chance to buy gifts for communities. For example, $6 can buy cough medicine for a child in Honduras; $10 can buy a duck for a family in Timor-Leste; $14 can provide an art kit for a child in Angola; and $36 can purchase a goat for a family in Zambia. Hundreds of gifts are available up to $5,300 apiece.

"You will be investing in a child's future," CCF Global Treasurer Sassan Parandeh said of using tax refunds to support CCF.

For more information about giving to CCF, visit www.christianchildrensfund.org. Gifts can be found by clicking the "Gifts of Love & Hope" link.