Our Mission
How it all began...
Precious Kids Ministries (PKM) was born out of love and the enduring legacy of our son, Ethan Kyle Barreto. At just three years old, Ethan was diagnosed with a brain tumor in December 2004. Despite his tender age, he showed extraordinary strength and courage, enduring countless surgeries and bravely relearning how to walk and speak. He fought like a true champion. But after months of progress and hope, the tumor returned. Another operation followed, but this time, it wasn’t enough. On March 29, 2006, surrounded by the love of his entire family, Ethan went home to be with the Lord.
Ethan’s heart was as big as his fight. Every night, without fail, he would pray for poor children who didn’t have parents, his small voice filled with concern and compassion for others. Even in his own struggles, he would think of those in need, insisting on sharing his little savings with anyone he believed needed it more than he did. His selflessness, humility, and deep love for others became a shining example for all of us.
It was his pure and giving spirit that inspired the creation of Precious Kids Ministries. This ministry is his legacy—a way to honor the beautiful, selfless boy who taught us the true meaning of love and compassion. Through PKM, Ethan’s light continues to shine, touching the lives of children just as he dreamed.
We concentrate our efforts in
Santiago, Dominican Republic...
Our ministry is dedicated to bringing hope and love to the lives of children who face unimaginable challenges. We lovingly collect and organize donated clothes and shoes that your children may have outgrown, ensuring they find their way to little ones in desperate need. Many children in the Dominican Republic go to bed hungry, struggling to have even one meal a day. With compassion as our guide, PKM provides nourishing food for these children and their families throughout the year, giving them strength and a chance to thrive. We also carefully purchase school uniforms and supplies, empowering children to attend school and dream of a brighter future. This support eases the burden on parents and guardians, helping them find work to improve their family’s living conditions.
Our hearts are also with pediatric cancer patients and their families during their most trying times. We help by paying for cancer treatments, transportation for medical appointments, life-saving medications and overwhelming hospital bills, and we go a step further by organizing trips and special events. These moments create lasting memories—precious rays of light and joy amidst the darkness—for the children and their loved ones.
Above all else, PKM is driven by a deep desire for every child we serve to feel the boundless love of Christ and the hope He brings. We share this love by gifting children’s bibles and thoughtfully crafted bible lesson worksheets in Spanish, accompanied by colored pencils and pencil sharpeners—simple yet cherished tools that remind them they are seen and valued. Our mission goes far beyond meeting physical needs; it’s about planting seeds of hope, faith, and love in their hearts. Inspired by Ethan’s prayer, we strive to be the hands and feet of his dream—to 'help all the poor kids with no mommies & daddies and no food to eat...' These words remain our guiding light as we bring joy, comfort, and hope to children who need it most.
Our team...
We are a small group of people who freely donate our time and gifts whenever and wherever possible to help the children we serve in the Dominican Republic. Our mission is to honor Ethan's prayer. Our hope is to break the cycle of poverty in the lives of the children we help. Join us in making a difference for these children.
From left to right: Tom Barreto, Aracelys Barreto, Luis Gonzalez