Thanks to a project called Operation Santa, toys will be dropped off at Northern Palawan on the first week of this month, Northern Cebu on the second, Panay on the third, and Leyte and Samar on the last.
Businessman Jaco Soler and photographer Dindin Lagdameo set up Operation Santa as a Facebook page on November 20, and have since collected more than 4,000 gifts as of Monday.
On the same day, 40 balikbayan boxes were filled and ready to be delivered the first location, Northern Palawan.
“I… conceptualized Santa as a simple way of making the children happy and to see their faces light up again with a smile. I have never imagined it (would) draw an incredible outpouring of support from everyone,” wrote the organizers on the Facebook page.
They will personally hand out the presents, hoping to create “happy memories with Santa” so the children can overcome the trauma wrought by the disaster.
Operation Santa is still gathering toys for the other communities. The organizers suggest that donors send the following, already wrapped.
One stuffed toy, wrapped by itself
One ball, wrapped by itself
One book, wrapped by itself
One coloring book and a pack of eight-color crayons, wrapped together
One notebook or sketch pad and two pencils, wrapped together
Love letters for the children
Candies
“Please do not give violent gifts such as guns, swords, and knives,” said the organizers. New items are preferred, but pre-loved items are also accepted.
They asked that donors mark the bottom of the gift with the age group for which it is suitable, and if the gift is gender-specific, to also mark the bottom with “girl” or “boy”.
People “from various walks of life, and parts of the world” have already contributed to the project—proof that even in diversity, people can come together to “express their love, concern, and thoughtfulness,” the organizers wrote.
There are drop-off points in Alabang, Makati City, Mandaluyong City, Paranaque City, Quezon City, Cavite, Olongapo City, Bacolod City, Iloilo City, and Cebu. For the exact locations, go to www.facebook.com/notes/operation-santa/drop-off-points/507760255989783.
Donors may also go to www.facebook.com/santaops for the latest announcements.
The people behind Operation Santa sometimes call out for volunteers to help sort and wrap gifts.
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