As Super Typhoon Karding left its mark on the Philippines, thousands of Filipinos were affected by the calamity. In the true Filipino Bayanihan way, different groups and organizations have prompted donation drives to extend help to our fellows who got hit by the typhoon. Some of these organizations and institutions are:

• Art Relief Mobile Kitchen - Art Relief Mobile Kitchen is a volunteer-led group that offers to cook meals for the affected citizens in Los Baños, Laguna. These include the low-lying communities near Laguna de Bay, upland communities in Mt. Makiling, and dormitory-based UPLB students. 

They are asking for volunteers willing to help cook 1,000 meals per day. Additionally, donating oil, rice, water, and other raw ingredients is encouraged in their drop-off location, ARMK Kitchen. They are also accepting monetary donations for LPG tanks and different needs. 

For further details, kindly check their official Facebook post. 

• Bahaghari - Bahaghari is a group of LGBTQIA+ advocates, organizations, and formations. They are looking for Rainbow volunteers and donations for their upcoming relief operations, #BuklodBahaghari. This donation drive is for the families in Metro Manila who were hit hard by Super Typhoon Karding. 

To know more about this donation drive, kindly check their official post. 

• Balai Obrero - In partnership with various organizations such as Piston, Kilusang Mayo Uno, and many more, Balai Obrero Foundations, a volunteer-led organization, commenced its relief operations, Tulong Obrero. 

The organization is seeking volunteers, together with monetary and in-kind donations. Interested volunteers and in-kind contributions may go to Tulong Obrero Headquarters, Balai Obrero Foundation, 63 Narra St., Brgy. Claro, Proj. 3, Quezon City.

More information about this program is in Elmer “Ka Bong” Labog's Facebook post.

• Citizens’ Disaster Response Center - Citizens’ Disaster Response Center is a non-government organization focused on community-based disaster management. As requested by the organization, any monetary and in-kind donations such as medicine, food, water, hygiene kits, and shelter kits are welcome and may deliver to 72-A Times St., West Triangle Homes, Quezon City. 

To know more, kindly check the official announcement of the Citizens’ Disaster Response Center.

During these difficult moments, Filipinos once again proved that “UNITY” is not just a catchphrase used during election season but an act of benevolence and empathy at all times. In these trying times when we could only depend on one another, a simple gesture of kindness can go a long way.