United Colors of Giving
By Kristine “KB” Tonel
Typhoon Haiyan was the strongest storm to ever hit the Philippines. It brought with it many casualties and extensive damage to houses and the nation’s infrastructure. Days after the typhoon, many were in tremendous need. HOPE worldwide and NACSEA were two of the organizations who had quickly responded. Fortunately, I had the privilege to volunteer in their relief activities.
By Kristine “KB” Tonel
Typhoon Haiyan was the strongest storm to ever hit the Philippines. It brought with it many casualties and extensive damage to houses and the nation’s infrastructure. Days after the typhoon, many were in tremendous need. HOPE worldwide and NACSEA were two of the organizations who had quickly responded. Fortunately, I had the privilege to volunteer in their relief activities.
A PhenomenonI’ve served as a relief volunteer before and I thought this event would just be like one of those common “hand-over-that-package" activities. Who would have thought this day would be something so touching and memorable? I didn't.
On Sunday, November 24, I saw an amazing scenario – you might say a phenomenon. A relief drive was conducted by NACSEA, in partnership with HOPE worldwide Philippines, Tabang Sugbu Karon Foundation and a few other partner organizations. More than 90 volunteers, from different places of different races and skin colors, joined together to give 1,000 families a one-week supply of food.
Volunteers from ICOC churches in Manila, Cebu and Northern Cebu, San Diego and West Virginia distributed the packages to each beneficiary. Local volunteers from the town of Daanbantayan helped the women and elderly carry their family packs and organize the beneficiaries. Military personnel from Paris, France repaired the roofs of the school where the event was held and moved the goods from the truck to the distribution area. Japanese soldiers, who happened to be conducting medical missions at the same location, helped document the event. I almost forgot to mention one volunteer from Scotland who helped carry the packages. Fortunately, he spoke French and English, making him the translator between the French soldiers and the English-speaking volunteers.
United in GivingI thought it was only at the Olympics or in a Benetton commercial that I could see people from different races coming together. But I am amazed that people from such diverse cultures would still be willing to unite in serving the survivors living in Daanbantayan.
I will never forget that day. It's such a rare event that even now, the faces and colors of those who helped are still vivid in my mind. Looking forward to seeing more united colors of giving!
