It's a first for the people of the Philippines and Children International.

The Filipino government and its agencies have waived all taxes and tariffs on $2.6 million of clothing, shoes and other supplies that have been donated to the smallest survivors of Typhoon Durian by the Kansas City-based child sponsorship organization. The government has also covered the cost of transporting the donation.

Mark Baltar, a sponsored child from Tabaco whose family lost their belongings in the typhoon, was ecstatic to receive supplies, "I feel so happy to have my new shoes and clothes. I like it very much, especially the color and style. I thought I would never have a pair of shoes like this. I love it very much. At last, I have now a replacement for the shoes lost due to typhoon!"

Some of the items sponsored children and their families will receive include: * $2.6 million in clothing, shoes and other supplies * $1.5 million in housing materials

"We are grateful to the Filipino government for recognizing the need for the victims who have lost literally everything they own as a result of the typhoon. We also appreciate the generosity of our donors Fresh Produce Sportswear and CrocsTM shoes for helping provide children and families with hope that they can rebuild their lives," says James R. Cook, president and CEO of Children International.

Children International assists more than 36,000 children in this impoverished area of the Philippines, and helps more than 78,000 children throughout the Philippines.

About Children International: Established in 1936, Children International is a nonprofit organization with its headquarters in Kansas City, Missouri. Children International's programs benefit over 320,000 poor children and their families in 11 countries around the world, including Chile, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Guatemala, Honduras, India, Mexico, the Philippines, Zambia and the United States. For more information about Children International, visit www.children.org.