BY MARILYN C. ARAYATA
While many people are busy living their normal lives, interacting via social media, shopping, and ordering food online, countless individuals in calamity-stricken towns and cities are cold, anxious, and hungry. Many of these towns and cities are still submerged in floodwater. Thousands are crying for help!
If after the recent typhoons in this time of COVID-19, you are at least warm and safe, reach out to someone who isn’t. Reach out to more than one if you can. Find ways to help calamity victims and even the ones in your circle who are struggling physically, emotionally, or financially.
The government cannot do it alone. Donations from private groups and individuals are badly needed. If you believe in loving your neighbors, caring about the needs of victims is a good way to show it, especially now that the country is reeling from the impact of one calamity after another. That’s also a way of thanking the universe and the Divine Providence for all the blessings.
Continue supporting individuals and businesses that include relief contribution and fund drives among their priorities. They will be able to help more people if they are strong. No one can sustain good initiatives alone. Having bountiful resources and willingness are never enough. Manpower is very important. Volunteers are needed. Proper coordination with the authorities is a must. It’s the best time to ask what you can do to help the government and those who need help.
We pray for the safety of typhoon victims, rescuers, volunteers, and all frontliners. We pray for individuals who have their own personal struggles. May they get all the help they need at the soonest possible time. World Kindness Day is celebrated every Nov. 13. In this time of calamities and COVID-19 pandemic, the world needs more leaders, private groups, and individuals who will do concrete things to show kindness.
