We are Ana and Pam, Filipino mother and daughter
living in NYC since 2000. Due to recent events in the Philippines, we
have turned most of our energy towards a family-run relief effort for victims
of Typhoon Haiyan. Earlier this month, Super Typhoon Haiyan, one of the
largest typhoons ever to have made landfall, ripped through the Central Visayas
region of the Philippines, leaving so many devastated, without food, clean
water, electricity, or shelter.
Here’s what we've been up to. Reaching out to our friends, classmates,
coworkers, employers, we have started a drive of clothes, canned goods, and
hygienic supplies right in our apartment. We've made contact with up to
four families in Roxas City, Cebu City, and Tacloban City, whose homes and
belongings were destroyed in the storm. Our goal is to gather enough
relief supplies to fill up five large boxes (18 x 20 x 24in), each of which
will cost about $90 to send from door to door.
We fear that after the media has had its fill of Typhoon Haiyan headlines and
news stories, people affected by this tragedy will still be in need of bare
necessities. Any help that we can get filling five balikbayan (which
literally translates to “return home”) boxes with relief supplies and sending
them to our contacts throughout Central Visayas would be much appreciated!
The first $450 we receive will go straight to service charges. But we won’t
stop there!!
Donations made thereafter will be wired directly to
our trustworthy contact, and family friend, Pia Echevarria, who is personally
involved in local relief operations throughout Northern Cebu, with connections
in organizations such as Bangon
Bantayanons. We ensure that your donations will go straight to
helping individuals and families in need!!
Ever since we moved to New York City in 2000, for as long as I can remember,
both my immediate and extended family have pooled together clothes, shoes,
towels, canned meats, instant coffee, pencils, pens, chocolates, and other
goods to send to our relatives in Nueva Ecija, Central Luzon. Every few
months we pack a balikbayan box to the brim. My job is to sit atop the
box and hug it closed while mom or dad goes round and round, taping it closed
every which way. Just as vividly, I remember how it felt to be on the
receiving end. The simple joy of getting new t-shirts, eating Baby Ruth,
and smelling the smells of soap, clean clothes and chocolates all at
once. I thought that’s what America smelled like.
Today, we hone this tradition with the victims of Typhoon Haiyan in our hearts.
We hope you can join us in our efforts!!
