Every time there is a really bad storm, as a family, we are reminded of just how lucky we are.
We have a roof over our heads. We are eating hot home cooked meals.
I’ve been researching on the net this morning of ways to help the victims of Typhoon Maring and have found a plethora of information out there for those who might be interested in donating.
With many offices and schools closing for the second day now, it is inevitable that hundreds of thousands of people will be displaced and in need of help.
If you would like to help and are not sure how, Rappler has posted a complete list of ways to donate relief goods and where to send them.
Screen shot from Rappler.com and coverage on Maring.
We are now in a state of evacuation for many of the low lying areas in and around Manila.
Screen shot of Pagasa coding system as posted on Rappler.com
Stay up to date on relief efforts by using hashtags on Twitter.
- #reliefPH
- #rescuePH
- #maringPH
- #maringtyphoon
Pagasa has up to date information on the storm and what to expect in the coming hours and days regarding rainfall.
My friend Pam, over at Run Around Girl has also posted ways to help if you are so inclined. I love the suggestion to use a t-shirt to wrap relief goods.
More specifically if you live in Muntinlupa and you want to help, you can do the following:
- Hillsborough Hampton Court (the castle-looking structure on Buckingham Street, Hillsborough Village, Muntinlupa City) is now accepting donations. Contact Diane in Hampton Court or Mela Garcia 09178370839 or Casey Erum 09176285891.
- De La Salle – Zobel Social Action accepts donations of hot meals and relief goods for affected residents of Muntinlupa residing near the Laguna Lake area. You can drop your donations at Gate 7. Contact Mr Jayjay Jacinto at 09178597602 and Ms. Evangeline De Peralta at 09175638870
- Twitter user @PatriciaMalay is organizing a relief drive in Muntinlupa and is willing to pickup donations around BF Homes, Alabang Hills, and Ayala Alabang Village. Contact: 0917-512-8736. Drivers also needed.
I think for now-what the relief centers are looking for is hot home cooked meals for all the victims who are trying to stay dry. When packing food for the victims there are some things we should be mindful of so we don’t contribute negatively to the situation even more. Try and use biodegradable packaging for the food you will pack and be sure that the food you are packing can make it to the center without spoiling. Simple dishes that will keep well are probably best. The people in evacuation centers have no means of cooking or even opening up the canned goods right now.
For those readers overseas that are not sure how to help: Red Cross Philippines has made it very easy to donate financially. Click here for the page and how to donate with ease.
