It’s a universally known fact that when it comes to lending a helping hand, we Pinoys are eager to offer what we can to support our communities. Whether it’d be in donating funds for a certain charity or allocating a portion of our time to volunteering, we Pinoys are often quick to do what is necessary to aid those in need. And this 2017 proved to be a testament of this, as a number of Pinoy volunteers helped in assisting the efforts of the United for Healthier Kids (U4HK) coalition through the non-government organization (NGO) Reach Out and Feed Philippines.

Here are some ways these volunteers have selflessly helped out those in need and restored our faith in the goodness of humanity:

Through food drives and fundraising

Reach Out and Feed Philippines is an organization dedicated to solving the problems of health and malnutrition in the country. Because of this, their efforts focus mainly in providing the proper meals and food items to both children and adults in the poorest areas of our country.

In line with this mission, volunteers Tricia Mallari, Irish Reloj and Gabriel Lazo grouped together to collect grocery items during the general assemblies of their workplace to provide for the beneficiaries of Reach Out and Feed Philippines.“Helping out in Reach Out’s activities was a learning experience for everyone. It was very encouraging to see the team driven by a common goal and fighting the good fight,” the team adds.

In addition to their food drive, the team also conducted a fundraising activity that generated a profit of PHP 53,740 — this amount provided 2,150 meals to 120 beneficiaries. “Over the course of Hunger Action Month (October to November), we had several fundraising efforts to make sure that all of our associates get an opportunity to contribute. The majority, if not all, were very supportive of the cause. Some of them would even give out suggestions and ideas on what we can do to raise more funds and encourage more associates to get involved,” the team explains.

Meals are being served to the beneficiaries of Reach Out and Feed Philippines. Photo Credit: Reach Out and Feed Philippines and U4HK

Because of their efforts in helping out through fundraising and donation, Reach Out and Feed Philippines is now one step closer to achieving their goals.

Through field work

Another way of helping out is by volunteering through the NGO’s programs. As Reach Out and Feed Philippines’s Acting Executive Director, Dawn Cabigon says “volunteering may seem like a big commitment at first but I encourage you to just take the first step and follow your passion for the cause.”

This eagerness and passion to help out is actually what drew Cherrie Doctura to volunteer for the cause. Doctura expounds, “when I’ve read about what the NGO does, which is to teach and feed children who are malnourished (both physically and mentally), I instantly volunteered because working with children is very close to my heart.”

Since then, Doctura has helped out Reach Out and Feed Philippines by bringing and distributing food items at the NGO, and by assisting them in teaching the children at the distribution sites. As Doctura says, volunteer work has made her more grateful and appreciative of what she has.

Children are guided during the programs conducted by the volunteers of Reach Out and Feed Philippines. Photo Credit: U4HK and Reach Out and Feed Philippines

“Your time is precious, thus volunteering will be the best gift you can give to others and those in need,” says Doctura.

Through word-of-mouth

Helping out could also mean sharing what you know about the cause. Because in doing so, you are creating more awareness about it and encouraging more people to join in furthering the organization’s efforts.

In line with this sentiment, the team of Mallari, Reloj and Lazo share their thoughts about volunteering — “helping advance a cause you believe in is easier than you think. There are a lot of problems that deserve our attention, which means that there are always opportunities to contribute. It might be cliché, but great things do start from small beginnings; helping out in any way you can will always make a difference.”

As early as today, you can be a part of this positive change in the community by helping out in the efforts of the U4HK coalition through Reach Out and Feed Philippines.