Five ways to lend a hand to Yolanda victims

By Johanne Margarette R. Macob

 

THERE’S at least one way to lend a hand. We don’t need to be politicians, business magnates, or official members of humanitarian organizations. We don’t need any prefixes or any other tags attached to our names. We don’t need a lot of things to be able to help our brothers and sisters in the central Philippines. We just need to be humane.

That being said, I have compiled five ways for us, citizens of the world, to reach out, in one way or another, to the at least 11-million victims of the strongest typhoon ever to have hit our beloved archipelago (with prayers not to have something alike or a worse scenario in the future).

1.      Get updated.

You have the will to help, sure, but if you don’t exactly know whom to help, or what the victims badly need and other related information, then how can you jumpstart at doing so? You may contact someone you know who’s located in the area or rely on good media. Read news on the paper or on the web, listen to radio, and keep up with television updates so as to get a reliable grasp of the status of the place and more-so, of the people.

2.      Donate.

Though many have opted to give out financial help, as what our provincial government did, we don’t have to do the same if we don’t have the resource. We can just check our cabinet for goods we can share or our closets to see which clothes and other stuff that could be useful  to the victims. There are a number of groups we can send these to — NGOs, government agencies – if handing them over personally or sending them through carriers would not be possible. There are also some groups that sell merchandises from whose proceeds are earmarked be given to the calamity victims. We can purchase from these establshments, but make certain that such groups are true to to their pledge.

3.      Volunteer.

If we can enlist ourselves to be part of the augmentation force to help in the repacking and distribution of relief goods, or assist medical groups. The Philippine Red Cross, United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), World Food Programme, and Habitat for Humanity are just some we can get in touch with to know how we can help. It’s easy to locate these groups’ online otherwise the nearest government agency or unit won’t turn down a volunteer.

4.      Disseminate valuable information.

Be ready to share updated information about relief centers, evacuation centers, prevailing weather conditions, and other information that will empower both victims and relief volunteers. Any information that will help victims to move on with hopes of regaining or improving their lot is important.

5.      Pray.

Alongside the contributions and involvement , take some time to seek for divine intervention. Pray for the souls of those who have departed, that they may find peace. Pray for the lives of those struggling to live through the tragedy, that they never lose hope and faith. Pray for those who have been helping, that they may never get tired of doing so. And pray for those who have not yet done anything to help or are doing the contrary, that they may realize being humane and compassionate is what gives joy to the distraught.

Faith, hope, and love. Bangon Pilipinas! 

Back to Homepage

Share your Comments or Reactions

comments

Powered by Facebook Comments