A small amount goes a long way
My mom would often tell me, “Manakawan ka na’t lahat, wag ka lang masunugan o mabaha.” There was truth in her words. After all, it was much better to lose a few items than to lose everything and be forced to start over from scratch.
But in the Philippines where calamities often take place in the Ber months and so close to Christmas—as it turns out, there’s something worse: to lose everything right before the holidays.
This is not to guilt trip and say we cannot enjoy our Christmas simply because others cannot. But when we’re fortunate and lucky enough to give thanks for a year well spent, why not pay it forward and make someone else’s holiday season a little better?
From foundations focusing on medical conditions to charities geared toward children, here are several organizations you can donate to this Christmas.
READ: How Waves For Water shares the gift of clean, potable water to the most vulnerable
Immune Deficiency Foundation
Primary immunodeficiency (PI) is a chronic condition in which a body’s immune system does not function correctly. Those afflicted are susceptible to infections and are typically forced to stay home to avoid getting sick. The Immune Deficiency Foundation (IDF) offers resources, education, and support to those with PI to help them lead normal lives.
For more information about the IDF, primary immunodeficiency, and how to donate, check out their website.
Waves For Water PH
Waves For Water PH aims to provide vulnerable and far-flung communities in the country with access to clean and potable water. The MVP Point One Filter, which they are providing to each village and barangay they visit, filters water sourced from rivers, springs, deep wells, and the rain, and turns it into drinkable and usable water.
This is not only helpful for communities without access to facilities present in the metropolitan area but also in the context of calamities when bottled water isn’t always readily available.
As of November 2024, Waves For Water PH has implemented 28,091 water filtration systems, 147 rainwater catchment systems, and 1,298 standalone handwashing units across all 82 provinces in the Philippines.
For more information on Waves For Water PH, check them out via their website, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube. Donations can be made via this link.
Unang Hakbang Foundation
Unang Hakbang Foundation Inc. (UHF) aims to nurture and empower children by educating them and expanding upon their possibilities. Especially geared toward the youth in less fortunate communities, the UHF works to keep these children in school and encourages them to continue their studies.
For more information on the UHF check them out via their website.
Make-A-Wish Philippines
Children who are critically ill were unfortunately dealt an unfair hand and have limited options—and in worse cases, time. Make-A-Wish Philippines strives to make the most out of their situation and offer these children the chance to be children for even a short while.
For more information on Make-A-Wish Philippines, check them out via their website, Instagram, Facebook, and X. Donations can be made via this link.
World Vision Philippines
World Vision Philippines aims to transform the lives of children all over the country by connecting them to aspiring sponsors and benefactors. Capital gained from these sponsors directly funds World Vision’s projects which include literacy programs, disaster response initiatives, and child protection services.
For more information on World Vision Philippines and how to donate to them, check them out via their website, Instagram, Facebook, X, and YouTube.
Likhaan
Where sexual and reproductive health is disregarded and institutionally constricted, Likhaan is a nongovernmental organization that aims to educate and equip women on all things reproductive health. Likhaan conducts workshops that educate adolescents and adults on safe sex and contraceptives. They also have several clinics scattered throughout the country for free checkups and procedures.
For more information on Likhaan, check them out via their website, Facebook, YouTube.
Pawssion Project Foundation
Where thousands of pets continue to face unwarranted abuse and neglect, the Pawssion Project Foundation aims to bring them closer to their forever home.
For more information on Pawssion Project and how to donate to them, check them out via their website, Instagram, Facebook, X, and YouTube.
READ: Have a little extra to give? Send a donation to these organizations
Cribs Foundation, Inc.
Cribs Foundation, Inc. is a nonprofit licensed by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) tasked with providing a safe environment for abandoned babies and female minor survivors of sexual abuse.
Cribs provides residential care facilities for children. They also facilitate the healing and recovery of sexually abused girls and help reintegrate them with their families.
For more information on Cribs Foundation, Inc., check them out via Instagram and Facebook.
Save the Children Philippines
Save the Children Philippines prioritizes children above all else. Some of their campaigns include disaster response mobilizations, health and sanitation workshops, and back-to-school programs.
For more information on Save the Children Philippines, check them out via their website, Instagram, Facebook, X, and YouTube.
READ: Your old textbooks and novels can help public school libraries. Donate them here
Ortigas Foundation Library
Though doubling as a conservation facility, the Ortigas Foundation Library also aims to help public libraries across the country build their collections.
For more information on the Ortigas Foundation Library, check them out via their website, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.