By Ace Dizon, Heather Pascua, and Glaiza Salanio

As the Christmas season approaches, our surroundings are slowly engulfed with the familiar warmth of parols, Christmas caroling, and the joyous traditions often done by Filipinos to commemorate the holidays. 

Among these traditions are children who eagerly await Santa Claus to deliver them a bag of gifts. Little do they know that while in the quest of painting the stereotypical Santa’s image, real-life Santas exist—organizations that embody Christmas’ true essence of giving.

For many, the holiday season may be a time of joy and abundance, but for others, it magnifies the struggle for survival. There are populations victimized by poverty and social injustice who could not celebrate Christmas as joyously as others could or even celebrate at all. 

As organizations recognize these and aim to extend a caring hand, they host a myriad of activities—such as donation drives, fund-raising programs, and other kinds of assistance. The endeavors of these organizations echo the true spirit of Christmas, serving as beacons of hope for every Filipino and leaving an impact that will live beyond the holiday season. 

Inner Wheel Club of the Philippines

One organization that helps our society during the Christmas season is the Inner Wheel Club (IWC) of the Philippines. It is a dynamic non-governmental organization of committed women who are bound by friendship and are dedicated to service.

“Through selflessness in friendship and service to humanity, we provide needed assistance and undertake special projects for the community, the youth, the women, the elderly, and the marginalized sectors of society,” Anna May Rahmad, a member of IWC Philippines, said in an interview. 

IWC Philippines aligns itself with the National Directed Projects and United Nations sustainable projects. These guiding principles shape their actions and initiatives as they strive to make a positive impact in our community.

The club raises and donates money for thousands of Filipinos. The main priority of their projects is to combat health, education, ecology and environment, and socioeconomic concerns. They have always been in action with members around the world to improve the quality of life of those who are in need.

For nearly a decade, their club has been organizing the Paskong Paslit event in Malabon, and they are committed to its continuity to bring joy to children’s lives. Yearly, they give gifts, snacks, and candies. Chosen families are also handed Noche Buena packages.

Philippine Red Cross

Another organization that is crucial during the holiday season is the Philippine Red Cross (PRC), which makes a difference through charity and health care services.

Last November 2020, Typhoon Vamco or Ulysses stormed through our country—a month before Christmas day. It affected approximately three million people from 5,594 barangays in eight different regions. 

The PRC helped in providing assistance to the families affected by the typhoon. They conducted rescue operations in Marikina and Rizal due to flooding brought by Ulysses. 

Ms. Rosie, a resident of Malanday, Marikina City, where floods are common, said that PRC is truly helpful for her and her family. They provided food assistance for them and gave them a first-aid kit. 

“Tinulungan nila kaming makabangon para sa darating na pasko noong panahong iyon, kaya malaki ang pasasalamat ko sa kanila,” she stated.

ASHS initiative

Meanwhile, in Ateneo Senior High School (ASHS), the Sanggunian, in collaboration with the ASHS Music Industry Organization and ASHS Glee Club, launched its own Christmas initiative, “Tambol N’ Tansan: Ang Paskong Atin,” where they were able to raise donations through activities such as caroling and selling Christmas ornaments.

The beneficiaries of the said event are the non-teaching personnel of the ASHS community and the non-government organization, EcoHumans.

Half of the proceeds from “Tambol N’ Tansan” will be donated to the said beneficiaries in the form of Christmas packages.

The other 50 percent will be given to EcoHumans in the form of school supplies to support their Liwanag at Dunong project that promotes the capabilities of children and elderly members of the Aeta community in Capas, Tarlac.

Students expressed their love and gratitude in the spirit of the holidays by showcasing their talents in this event.

Be someone’s Santa

While Santa may not be real, anyone can be someone’s Santa through supporting organizations and civil society groups, as they act as a bridge to those who want to help and to those who seek help. 

This holiday season, one can embody the Christmas Spirit through volunteerism and donations to local organizations to help the less fortunate.

The aforementioned organizations and initiatives are only examples of many organizations that provide assistance to others; connection with IWC may be done by volunteering in the local district, while PRC accepts various initiatives listed on their website.

Alternatively, there are several other organizations that request and accept assistance, whether this comes in the form of financial assistance or volunteerism. 

With the presence of a good samaritan, more Filipinos can truly feel the spirit of love and community that the holiday season brings. 

Thumbnail from Philippine Red Cross