/PRNewswire/ - Doing good in local communities is a core value woven throughout CITGO Petroleum Corporation and one that is uniquely demonstrated through its Fueling Good Program. Now in its third year, Fueling Good recognizes and rewards local heroes within their communities for the good works they do, from caring for the needy to providing food for the hungry to assisting kids who need dental care.

As part of its fall Fueling Good program, CITGO and local Marketer ADA Resources are awarding Keep Kids Connected with $5,000 in CITGO Gift Cards to help extend its Ripple of Good and the impact of its work in supporting children with cancer and other life-threatening illnesses by helping them connect to friends and family.

"We know the power of social healing and want to be sure that kids who are battling cancer or other life-threatening diseases can stay in contact with their loved ones and take their minds off their illness," said Jerry Mortus, executive director of Keep Kids Connected. "Thanks to the CITGO Fueling Good award, we will free up more resources, which will allow us to provide computers to even more children. We're all extremely grateful to CITGO."

Inspired by a young cancer survivor named Caitlyn Mortus, Keep Kids Connected is a non-profit created to help kids stay connected to family and friends while they are undergoing treatment for cancer or other life-threatening illnesses. By supplying these children with computers to provide social healing, the charity has helped make treatments more bearable for more than 130 children since August 2010. Through the power of human interaction, Keep Kids Connected strives to alleviate some of the stress surrounding inpatient treatment.

"It's such a joy to be able to work with the wonderful people at Keep Kids Connected," said Jim Smith, president of ADA Resources. "We appreciate the power of love and support in trying times, and we are proud to partner with CITGO in recognizing the amazing work of this organization."

Keep Kids Connected is one of 12 CITGO fall Fueling Good winners determined from more than 1,500 charities through a nationwide online vote. More than 100,000 votes were cast to determine the latest winners. The principles of Fueling Good can be seen in all aspects of the CITGO brand.

Winter 2011 Fueling Good program registration opened on Dec. 1 and ends on Jan. 11 for all 501(c) (3) non-profit organizations within the CITGO marketing area. Online public voting runs from Jan. 12 to Feb. 9 to determine the next 12 winning charities, who will each receive $5,000 in CITGO Gift Cards to spread their own Ripples of Good. 

To enter your charity for a chance to win up to $5,000 in CITGO Gift Cards, and to learn how CITGO and local organizations are making a difference, visit www.FuelingGood.com. For regular updates and to join the conversation, "Like" CITGO Fueling Good at www.Facebook.com/CITGOFuelingGood and view videos of past winners at www.youtube.com/CITGOFuelingGood.

CITGO, based in Houston, is a refiner, transporter and marketer of transportation fuels, lubricants, petrochemicals and other industrial products. The company is owned by PDV America, Inc., an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Petroleos de Venezuela, S.A., the national oil company of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. For more information, visit www.CITGO.com.