How Can We Donate?

The whole world knows about the devastation that Typhoon Yolanda/Haiyan has brought to central Philippines. And amidst the rubble, confusion, loss, and grief, there is only one thing to do - get up and start over - no matter how difficult or painful it is.

The whole world has given much to the Philippines to help rebuild the communities that were affected. Donations and support from different countries arrived during the past week. But I believe they need more. And as they say, "there is nothing so small that cannot help." Given that, here are some ideas on how you can give and share something to the victims of the super typhoon even if you do not have much to spare.

1. Not all help comes in monetary value, sometimes that most valuable of all doesn’t cost a thing. It is your time and volunteerism. Many survivors are coming in to Manila without anything on their name. Being with them and making them feel that they are not alone can mean everything. If you feel you are not talented enough for consoling the survivors, you can also volunteer on organizations to help prepare and repack relief goods.

2. I was told that the best donation you can give is cash because the people can use it where it is needed. And in the case of the cities that are affected, that need could range from food and water to nails and wood for the shelters. Also, it can be difficult to sort through piles of varied items and more time will be needed to get them repacked. An average Filipino worker may have just enough for himself but a little sacrifice can go a long way.

a.    Soda. If you normally consume 1 can or 2 of your favourite soda, try skipping them for a week. Just drink water. You can donate the money you saved and you also had started a healthier habit.

b.    Lunch Money. If you usually buy fast food for lunch, try bringing packed lunch to school or office for the week and donate the money you have saved. Make this a family effort to save more!

c.  Sacrifice one of your daily expenses that you can go without. It could be anything. 

3. If you do not have cash to spare, you can donate your effort. Start a fund raising activity within your community, school, or office. If everyone can give a little bit it can grow into something bigger than you expect. Never hesitate to contact foundations and agencies that help this cause so you know what to raise or collect in your fund raising because can have specific needs that they want to address.

There are many other ways to help. Volunteerism and sacrifice can go a long way. Let us all join our efforts to help Yolanda survivors.

P.S. Never force anyone to give. We don’t know what they are going through.

Here are some agencies/organizations which you can donate your money and effort to:

ALAGANG KAPATID FOUNDATION

Drop-off center is the Alagang Kapatid Foundation warehouse with the address: 730 Quirino Highway, San Bartolome, Novaliches, Quezon City, Philippines./p>

Cash and check donations may be sent at the following bank accounts:

Bank of the Philippine Islands-Ayala Avenue SGV Branch

1. Account Name: Alagang Kapatid Foundation, Inc.

(PESO) PHP ACCOUNT NO: 1443-0533-32

(DOLLAR) USD ACCOUNT NO: 1444-0214-85

Banco De Oro – BDO Makati Ave- Ayala Branch

2. Account Name: Alagang Kapatid Foundation, Inc.

(PESO) PHP Account No.: 00- 5310-41016-4

(DOLLAR) USD Account No.: 10-5310-46264-4

3. PAYPAL ACCOUNT

Username / beneficiary: alagangkapatid@news5.com.ph

Send a copy of the cash deposit slip to alagangkapatidfoundation.tv5@gmail.com or toalagangkapatidfoundationtv5@yahoo.com for record purposes.

CITIZEN'S DISASTER RESPONSE CENTER

Citizens’ Disaster Response Center (CDRC)

72-A Times St., West Triangle Homes, Quezon City, 1104 Philippines

Phone: +63 2 929 98 20

Fax: +63 2 929 98 22

Email: info@cdrc-phil.com

Peso Account:

Account Name: Citizens’ Disaster Response Center

Bank: Metrobank, Examiner Branch, Quezon City, Philippines

Account No. 636-3-63600741-3

Dollar Account:

Account Name: Citizens’ Disaster Response Center

Bank: Metrobank, Examiner Branch, Quezon City, Philippines

Account No. 636-2-63600158-3

Swift Code: MBTCPHMM

Donate online:

Support our Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) Emergency Response

PHILIPPINE RED CROSS

Bonifacio Drive, Port Area, PO Box 280, Manila 1018

Telephone: 527-0000

Fax: 527-0857

E-mail: prc@redcross.org.ph