SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico - Children International congratulates the Methodist Church of Puerto Rico for reaching their goal to support 500 poor children through the U.S.-based humanitarian organization.

Over the past year, churches across Puerto Rico agreed to seek supporters through their nationwide initiative to help poor children throughout Latin America. Church leaders, with over 12,000 members and 100 congregations, have reached out through their congregations to provide desperately poor children in the Dominican Republic, Colombia and Honduras with basic necessities to improve their lives that are so impacted by the rigors of poverty. Supporters in Puerto Rico are providing access to nutritional assistance, medical and dental care, and educational support to 500 children, and are pledging to support another 500 in the coming year.

"The Church is very proud to make a difference in the lives of the most vulnerable children. The partnership with Children International illustrates how a non-sectarian charity can work successfully with a religious body to solve the needs of children living in poverty," said Bishop Juan A. Vera, International Methodist Church of Puerto Rico.

Children International also welcomes the opportunity to partner with other congregations from churches, temples, and mosques that share the same goal and mission to help society's most vulnerable members by providing them with a visit to the doctor, more nutritious food, an education and, most of all, basis for hope for better future.

Children International's President and CEO Jim Cook said, "Children International commends the Methodist Church in Puerto Rico for their passion for helping children living in crushing poverty in Latin America. Their support is providing children with a better life and a brighter future."

About Children International: Established in 1936, Children International is a nonprofit organization with its headquarters in Kansas City, Missouri. Children International's programs benefit more than 325,000 sponsored children and their families in 11 countries around the world including Chile, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Guatemala, Mexico, Zambia, Honduras, India, the Philippines and the United States. For more information about Children International, visit www.children.org.