As grateful as I am for this amazing year that has passed, my fellow kababayans in the Philippines have been affected by a natural disaster--Typhoon Sendong.
Over 600 people have been killed, 900 people missing and at least 100,000 are left distraught and homeless.
In the spirit of giving and love this holiday season, I ask you to kindly help out in one way or another to those who have lost their homes and their loved ones in one of the most supposed wonderful time of the year.
Some of the items that are needed are blankets, clothes, slippers, hygiene products,and some basic medicines like tylenol or even generic acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Aid is urgently needed to those affected by the typhoon, and the most immediate way to respond is through monetary donations. Red Cross and Gawad Kalinga provide tax-deductible receipts, however, there are also several other ways to give:
1) For those local to the Portland area
During the Simbang Gabi Masses here in Portland (Holy Trinity and St. Therese), we are collecting materials that will be sent to the typhoon victims in balikbayan boxes. The boxes have been paid for by the Catholic priests of our Archdiocese. Please encourage everyone you know to come to the Simbang Gabi and bring with you your donated items. Mass at St therese church (Northeast site) is at 7:30 pm and at Holy Trinity in Beaverton (Westside) at 7pm until December 23. They will also collect funds to send to the victims.
2) Gawad Kalinga
Operation Walang Iwanan for Iligan, Dumaguete and Cagayan de Oro. Team GK from nearby provinces are now being mobilized to help the worst-hit areas. Negros Occidental will help Dumaguete, Bukidnon and Agusan del Norte will help Cagayan de Oro and Iligan, while organizing the local volunteers of the impact areas as well.
They are targeting to initially generate 5000 food packs for the first two days starting December 19 to be simultaneously distributed to the different barangays in the affected areas. I appeal for you to act on this opportunity to be our brothers keeper.
Full details of GK Operation Walang Iwanan and how you can help can be found via
http://gk1world.com/typhoon-sendong-operation-walang-iwanan
You may donate online via www.gk1world.com or through bank deposit to the following accounts :
Gawad Kalinga Philippine Peso Current Account # 3101 0977 56 BPI EDSA Greenhills Gawad Kalinga US$ Savings Account # 3104 0162 34 BPI EDSA Greenhills (Swift code: BOPIPHMM)
3) This is from Xavier University c/o Fr. Roberto Yap - This is excerpt from his Facebook message:
Xavier University - Ateneo de Cagayan, in Cagayan de Oro City is assisting the National Disaster Coordinating Council in providing food, clothing and medical assistance to the victims of Typhoon Sendong. Its main campus in Corrales Avenue is open for donations in cash or in kind. The University is also hosting some victims of the disaster in makeshift evacuation centers within the campus and is sending out medical personnel and students for first aid and trauma debriefing. The University Clinic is also open to treat patients. The University Christmas Party scheduled for this evening of 17th December has been canceled with the funds and food for this celebration donated instead to the disaster relief efforts. The University is accepting donations at the Helpdesk set up at the University's front gate or at the Relief Center at the Satellite Canteen near the College of Agriculture building (beside the gymnasium). Personnel and student volunteers are being deployed to buy, pack and deliver relief goods all over the City, under the direction of the University Chaplain, Fr Eric Velandria SJ. Cash donations can be deposited at this account: Account Name: Xavier University Account Number: 9331-0133-63 Bank: Bank of the Philippine Islands, Cagayan de Oro - Divisoria Branch Those who wish to receive receipts for their donations, may email finance@xu.edu.ph with the details of their donation (donor's name, receiving branch, date, amount) for proper acknowledgment. In the days ahead, Xavier University is committed to explore and implement various ways of providing assistance to those affected by one of the worst natural disasters to hit Cagayan de Oro City in recent memory.
4.) Ateneo de Manila based - Simbahang Lingkod ng Bayan contact information.
Mobile Phone - +639497337049
Email - simbahanglingkod@gmail.com
5.) Sandiwa the National Alliance of Filipinoy American Youth (National Youth Alliance of NAFCON)
You may find more information here: https://www.facebook.com/notes/anneberyl-taospusocling-corotan/activating-nafcons-bayanihan-relief-and-rehabilitation-for-victims-of-calamity-i/10150463856294781
Please write checks to “Philippine Forum” and mail or give to Michelle Saulon at 40-21 69th St. Woodside, NY noting for Bayanihan Relief and Rehabilitation Program.
They said that if every Filipino abroad gave $5 each it will amount to millions of dollars. If the 20,000 Filipinos here in Oregon and SW Washington gave $5 each, that would be $100,000 which means about Php 4.3 million. We believe that we can help make this happen in our own little way.
Help those who cannot help themselves. Forward this note to everyone you know and, together, we can make a difference!
Thank you!
Welo Rivera
incoming 2012 President of Filipino-American National Historical Society (FANHS) Oregon Chapter, Fellow Filipino and Mother.
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