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The timeless value of giving
It was quite an emotional experience for everybody when Eden Mar Miranda and John Philip Java, pediatric cancer patients, went up the stage with their mothers before the two one-act plays organized by Mga Kaibigan ng mga Kabataang May Kanser (KKK) started last Sunday. Even more so when Marilou Miranda and Eva Java tearfully thanked everybody for their support. They also thanked God for making such help possible.
It made me again think about the importance of giving. And it's just about apt to talk about this when Christmas is nearing. Christmas, is after all, a reminder on how giving makes people happy. And just imagine this act being done everyday.
For a parent who earns P150 a week, being able to find assistance in his or her child's chemotherapy treatment is a miracle. No words could describe the happiness one feels with the thought that the kindness of other people have increased a loved one's chances of survival.
For an organization like KKK, the sponsorships in meals, transportation and other items that we needed for the projects, donations and the volunteerism of the student-actors of Ateneo de Manila University's Entablado, are heaven-sent.
For a very old and poor lady who no longer has a family, living in Asilo de Molo with nuns and social workers who take good care of her and generous souls who provide donations for her upkeep, is God's provision of love for her. Now, she no longer has to rot on the streets because she is being sheltered in a home.
A couple has decided to give their time, love, patience and their resources on a street urchin by adopting him. For the young ward, this means he no longer has to be abused on the streets and will never go hungry. That's another life, who after being shown that love do exists, will shower others with his kindness, too. I've met several street children, who after being helped, have become social workers or are dreaming to become one.
For a busy, single woman like me, cooking food has become a luxury. There just isn't time for it anymore. So, how do I manage to eat? My mother devotes her mornings cooking for all of us. When I lack time or too stressed to remember to do my groceries, I'd be surprised that my empty cupboard would have some stuff on it; the same with my empty refrigerator. She's happy giving her time so we'll have more time to things that we are passionate about.
One time, I saw my neighbors, who are members of the El Shaddai ministry, putting soil and some rocks on a road dent that had caused several vehicle mishaps in the past. Not waiting for the government to act on it, they decided to give their time and effort in fixing the problem themselves.
The Diwa couple, owners of Langford Place where I frequent, have their share of giving, too. They are like second parents to many. Their time and wisdom had steered many lives to the right direction.
For an average student who struggles to get good grades, the help of other classmates in a study group is such a blessing.
Well, these are just some of the many instances of giving that has made an impact on the hearts and minds as well as future of other people.
And speaking of giving, Bantay Bata 163 Iloilo provided the following wish list. This is a list of the things that they really need in the center. As follows: FOOD. Supply of fruits, vegetables and rice, meat and meat products, milk and dairy products, eggs, sugar, canned goods, noodles, cooking oil, bread and biscuits and condiments. CLOTHING. Shirts, sleepwear, shorts, underwear, pants, skirts, socks, jackets and raincoats, swimwear, uniform and baby clothes. TOILETRIES. Soap, shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrush, deodorants, cotton balls, cotton buds, colognes, feminine wash, napkins, diapers and towels. OTHERS. Cooking pans, radio, blankets, beddings/bed sheets, vitamins, antipyretics, food supplements, school supplies, story books, educational books, pillows, laundry products, curtains, shoes, slippers, toys, electric fans, educational tapes and housewares. For your donations, call (33) 320-86-85 or visit Unit 21 Lopez Arcade, E. Lopez Street, Jaro, Iloilo City and ABS-CBN Complex, Luna Street, La Paz, Iloilo City. Direct to bank donations can be made to Banco de Oro Jaro Branch Peso Account 0740-21517-5.
You can also support their Coinbank Project. There are coin banks available in several establishments. Loose change can go a long way in saving a child's life.
Also, those who are interested to know more about KKK or render help through donations, talent and time, visit our website http://www.iloilokanserkids.com.
Let's join in the cycle of making others happy, not just this Christmas season but every day of the year.
(My e-mail is katvillalon@yahoo.com and lifestyle@thenewstoday.info. My blogs are posted in http://profiles.friendster.com/kathyvillalon)