Every year when we come home, we always make it a point to donate some money to a charity. The past few years, we’ve been donating to a charity whose purpose is to support the elderly who have been abandoned by their families. This year, we were told by my mom that they have donated some toys to a village near our area who were composed of "Aetas" or part of the indigenous tribe, who were displaced from their homes when Mt. Pinatubo erupted. So while still in Qatar, we tried to explain to xiane that we’d be giving away some of her old and unused toys and also some of the toys that she’s been getting from Mcdonalds or from parties that she attends. Xianelle helped her mom in picking up toys that she was willing to let go and was very giving by not opening the toys from her Kiddie Meals so she could add them to her donations. By the time we got back to the Philippines, she was able to fill half of a big box.

This sunday, after going to the park, we prepared some candies in bags so we could give them away with Xiane’s toys. We drove to the Aeta Village and told on of the village representatives to call children so we could hand out some toys and candies to them. In less than 2 minutes, kids from everywhere were running towards our car. We opened the back of the car and asked them to line up. It was really hot but Xiane, Mavis and my Sis were so busy handing toys out that it wasn’t really a concern. It was chaotic at first but ended without any problems.

We’re hoping to come back before our vacation ends and buy some slippers, pencils and papers for the kids. It was also very heartwarming to see Xiane excited about giving away her toys knowing that she would make somebody else happy with her gift. I’m sure she’d be able to save more toys for next year.