Christian-themed apparel company Kerusso has re-launched its worldwide initiative in partnership with child development and sponsorship organization Compassion International. The new campaign is called "Live for Him: Waiting Children."

A portion of the sale of Kerusso's "Live for Him" apparel will be donated to Compassion. Donation amounts from the sale of each product are $1, adult or youth T-shirts and caps; 50 cents, ring; and 25 cents, wristband. To date, more than $300,000 has been donated through the program, the goal of which is $500,000.

The program is being renewed with this launch. "Live for Him has been resting for a couple of years," Vic Kennett, president and CEO of Kerusso, said. "But I'm excited to tell you that Live for Him is back in action. These precious little ones deserve our help."

The theme of this year's initiative is "Waiting Children." All proceeds will help the more than 150,000 unsponsored children who will wait up to six months for sponsors, but in the interim, Compassion provides physical, emotional, educational and spiritual resources.

"Live for Him is much more than just a best-selling product line and a fundraising campaign," Kennett said. "Live for Him is a lifestyle statement. It means that your life is no longer your own. It belongs to Christ. Everything you do reflects on Him. ... It is my hope that the new Live for Him products will invigorate sales for retailers, while helping support unsponsored children around the world."

Mark Hanlon, Compassion senior vice president, said: "Kerusso is a wonderful example of a company that is truly seeking to make a huge impact for the kingdom of God by donating to worldwide missions. Many companies post a mission statement in the halls of their organization. Kerusso does their mission around the globe with their products."

The new Live for Him products can be purchased individually or as a merchandising package that includes 100 wristbands, 32 steel rings, six caps, 12 adult T-shirts (red), 12 adult T-shirts (black), eight youth T-shirts (red) and a corrugated display with Compassion brochures and holder. Merchandise will be shipped to stores starting June 15.

Retail owners also can participate in Kerusso's Live for Him Mission Trip Giveaway, which runs from June 1, 2009, through April 30, 2010. The winning store will win a trip for two to a Compassion project site in Central America. Details are available at www.kerusso.com.

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