Giving donations instead of exchanging gifts
By veronizm
@veronizm (907)
Philippines
December 21, 2011 12:36am CST
I am posting this discussion not to boast or show-off but to serve as an inspiration to everyone 
So every year my friends and I would get together to have dinner and other bonding stuff, sort of like a reunion. We do it every Christmas time. And every time, we do a Manito-Manita, otherwise known as exchanging gifts or "Secret Santa". Except for this year...
So, many of you may have already known that Philippines has been hit by another devastating typhoon named Sendong. Sadly, there are A LOT of deaths and casualties. A lot of people have lost their families, their homes. And if it isn't bad enough, it's nearing Christmas so these people will be spending a sad one 
It really breaks my heart just thinking about it. So I stay away from news because for sure it's only gonna make me sad and depressed.
So when my friends and I were chatting in the internet about when and where we would spend our reunion, etc., one of my friends suggested that instead of having a Manito-Manita, perhaps we can just give the money that we would spend on it to the victims of Sendong. We all agreed that it was a brilliant idea and all of us willingly canceled our Manito-Manita! We really felt good inside knowing that somehow, we've shared our part of helping our fellow Filipinos :)
So how about you guys? Would you like to share your experiences where you were able to help victims of different calamities? I would love to hear them! It inspires me and gives me hope that despite of all the bad in this world nowadays, people with kind hearts still exist
So every year my friends and I would get together to have dinner and other bonding stuff, sort of like a reunion. We do it every Christmas time. And every time, we do a Manito-Manita, otherwise known as exchanging gifts or "Secret Santa". Except for this year...
So, many of you may have already known that Philippines has been hit by another devastating typhoon named Sendong. Sadly, there are A LOT of deaths and casualties. A lot of people have lost their families, their homes. And if it isn't bad enough, it's nearing Christmas so these people will be spending a sad one It really breaks my heart just thinking about it. So I stay away from news because for sure it's only gonna make me sad and depressed.
So when my friends and I were chatting in the internet about when and where we would spend our reunion, etc., one of my friends suggested that instead of having a Manito-Manita, perhaps we can just give the money that we would spend on it to the victims of Sendong. We all agreed that it was a brilliant idea and all of us willingly canceled our Manito-Manita! We really felt good inside knowing that somehow, we've shared our part of helping our fellow Filipinos :)
So how about you guys? Would you like to share your experiences where you were able to help victims of different calamities? I would love to hear them! It inspires me and gives me hope that despite of all the bad in this world nowadays, people with kind hearts still exist 5 responses
@cearn25 (3456)
• Philippines
21 Dec 11
In my university, we have this COP or outreach programs. Our school has been actively participating to help those who really need. Before that flash flood happened, every December each organization members are asked to bring soaps and candies which will be given to the less privileged in our place. When that flash flood occurred, hand in hand we gave our donations includes cash, clothes and foods for the victims of this calamity.
@muztyplaytorch08 (34)
• Philippines
22 Dec 11
I was glad when I read this post. They're lot of things going on around us but some people or should I say a lot of people now a days are doing charity works. I would definitely would like to meet these kind of people who are light-heart and very passionate in giving out love. These are people whom should influence us and maybe should also become a member of our social networking accounts. These are very contagious people and for that I would like you guys to contaminate me. There are lots of things we can do to extend our help. If we do not have any material things we can share or money to donate, we can participate by asking other people to help us out or encouraging them by making other people aware of the situation. Prayers are also a huge help for those people who suffered a lot not only to this recently tragic event but also for people surrounding us. People we see outside our homes, streets, public places, etc. We don't know what's going on their lives as they are all strangers but just like any other human being they might also have doubts or sufferings going on their minds. Let's pray for everyone around us.
What really please me and softened my heart is the authentic smile you can see to their faces after you help them. They will not ask you how much you gave them (unlike friends or relatives that usually checks out the price of your present behind you), they will pay you with that innocent look then next is their smile. What I've noticed and learn from typhoon Sendong is that Bayanihan is still alive despite of all the modernity we have.
@art719pinoyguide (342)
• Philippines
21 Dec 11
Of course i am willing to help those victims of typhoon. About exchange gift for this christmas, we cannot avoid this kind of traditions of us. We can help the victims in any way we can. It happened that the typhoon stroke at this season.
@bashabasha (400)
• Philippines
22 Dec 11
Yes thats a wonderful idea. Giving gifts is natural for christmas But despite of my sensitive heart. I gave some donation thru the abs-cbn account number is just about 10$ thru internet back account. I know its not much but still its very helpful for those who suffer in typhoon sendong. How I wish I'm rich to so I can donate a big money and shelter to them...
@slapcaster (28)
•
22 Dec 11
That is really commendable. Hats off to you guys. As for me,I am going to take advantage of the easiest way on how to extend help to sendong victims, and that is via sms donations.
