Give Books to Children in the Philippines

It's been more almost three months since our last update, and we just wanted to reassure you that your generous support continues to benefit more children all over the country.

The books were particularly helpful, we found, in helping children to deal with unanticipated trauma and calamities. We sent over 2,000 books to young victims displaced by Typhoon Sendong in Mindanao. More than just donating, the Department of Psychology of Ateneo de Manila University and Xavier University used the books to help process and comfort children in one relief center.

Books were also donated to Tahan-Tahanan, a halfway house in East Avenue Medical Center which houses more than 100 cancer-stricken children. These children are from far provinces but are sheltered temporarily in Tahan-Tahanan, while they undergo medical treatments in Metro Manila.

We also worked with a group of dentists who were offering free dental clinic services at daycare centers in several communities in San Juan, Batangas to distribute books.

To date, we've donated more than 9,200 books, well beyond our initial 3,000-book target... all thanks to all of you!

There are only a few hundred books left (for now) to hand out... but we do hope to raise more funds to publish and give out more of our children's stories.  We will keep you updated on those existing books, and on future publications.  We also hope that you continue to support and tell your friends and families about our collective project.

Again, our deepest thanks!

Links:

• For more pics, please see our GlobalGiving albums on Facebook

Just a quick update, plus some photos.

To date, over 4000 books have already been distributed directly or through partners such as Museo Pambata, the Joey Velasco Foundation, TAO-Pilipinas Foundation, Sarilaya, BenCab Art Foundation, and Onesimo Foundation. The rest (a total of at least 10,000 books!) will be distributed in the coming weeks with the help of other partners and individuals working with disadvantaged children throughout the Philippines.

We've also set aside 1,000 books (500 each of Kulayan, and CANVAS Collection) for the child victims of the recent Typhoon Sendong in Mindanao. Even as donations for the basic necessities are now pouring in, we've been told that books, board games and other donations that can help keep children busy in these trying times are also needed. So this is our modest contribution to this effort. Together with Stray Interactive (our web design partner), these coloring books will also be accompanied by one set of crayons each.  As with all our GlobalGiving books, this would not have been possible without your generous support!

Thank you!