SOS Children's Villages, a non-profit international foster care organization with a local branch (http://www.sosflorida.com), was awarded the Conrad N. Hilton Humanitarian Prize, a $1 million grant, October 14th. The grant is the world's largest humanitarian award.

The non-profit organization provides permanent homes, with foster parents and siblings, for displaced children. Located on an eight acre cul-de-sac, the Coconut Creek branch features 12 single-family homes, a community center, counseling center and an administration building.

SOS Children's Villages also was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize, but lost October 11 to former President Jimmy Carter.

The children attend local schools, participate in youth activities and receive life skills training. For more information about Coconut Creek's SOS Children's Village of Florida, call 954-420-5030 or contact them online.