CDBS-PTC Outreach Project at Chosen Children Village
From the onset of its establishment, the Caritas Don Bosco School – Parents Teachers Council (CDBS-PTC) has been working hand-in-hand with the school administration, teachers, non-teaching staff, parents, guardians, and students, in full support of making the school environment as ideal as possible for academic learning and personal development of its students. It has however gone beyond school walls through its Outreach Program as it demonstrates Don Bosco’s belief that “Education is a Matter of the Heart“. The latest CDBS-PTC Outreach Project brought the school community to the doors of Chosen Children Village Foundation, Inc.
Chosen Children Village Foundation, Inc.
Chosen Children Village (CCV) is a haven for physically and/or mentally challenged children, located along Km. 49 in Lalaan 2 in Silang, Cavite, Philippines. Founded by Maria Angeles “Lita” Peypoch Fullerton in 1989, it offers the concept of caring for disabled children within a family setting. She believes that the institutional setting is not beneficial for these children who have different care needs and demands.
It is a non-profit organization which relies on donations that come in the form of child sponsorship or donation for building construction, maintenance and repair. Other forms of donations are likewise accepted but those that are deemed more important include strollers, milk, cereals, biscuits, laundry powder, dish-washing liquid, or anything that will ensure the smooth operation of a household with many children. You see, a big household is essentially what Chosen Children Village is.
CCV does not only exist to take care of children who are not able to take care of themselves. It also seeks to provide these children the “root and wings” they need in their journey towards independence in spite of their disabilities. It has likewise been instrumental in finding permanent homes for some through adoption. To ensure that the foundation can continue with its worthy mission, assistance from corporations and the general public is critical.
CDBS-PTC Outreach Project
The CDBS-PTC answered this call for assistance when its Outreach Committee identified Chosen Children Village as its beneficiary for this school-year’s outreach project. It appealed to the school community through a letter brought home by its students requesting for donations as specified by the foundation as the most needed. The response was tremendous and did not disappoint.
PTC Officers solicited from companies and individuals. I was even able to solicit these URC products from Stratworks, one of the ad agencies I regularly work with for promotion activities. The overall response was heart-warming as the CDBS community displayed its readiness and willingness to apply Don Bosco’s teachings in real life.
The response was such that the PTC had to do an initial delivery of donations to Chosen Children Village. Thus, before the actual date of the outreach project, many donated items reached the intended beneficiary. This only heightened the expectation for a fruitful activity on the designated date.
CDBS at CCV
And so on October 16, 2016, the CDBS community set out to spend a day with the children of CCV. The day started with the celebration of the holy mass which was followed by a tour of the CCV facilities. A lively program consisting of games and entertainment numbers ensued, allowing everyone to have a good time in spite of the forecasted stormy weather condition.
Below are some of the children of Chosen Children Village who showed how happy they are with the CDBS visit. They are seen here with the Lactum milk products donated by Mead Johnson through the facilitation of celebrity couple Ryan and Judy Ann Agoncillo. The younger children are usually not included in this kind of activity so as not to expose them to unnecessary stress. It is really good to know that some of these older children are helping out in taking care of the younger kids.
At the end of the day, everybody had a better understanding of what it really means to give. It was a very successful and fruitful outreach project where the giver went home bringing something. That something can only be found in the heart.
My Say
Those who have much are called upon to give to those who have less. Our sensibility however tells us that we can give no matter what our economic capabilities are. The founders of CCV gave by establishing a foundation dedicated to taking care of children who have either been abandoned or given up. The CDBS community gave by providing essentials that can be used by the foundation and its children.
Come to think of it, even the CCV children gave by tapping on our humanity, our good side that tells us we need to take care of each other in a loving environment regardless of our differences.
Images: CDBS-PTC Facebook Page
Mhaan Arambulo (@momyrockinstyle)
A few years back, I’ve been a volunteer in an orphanage teaching kids how to read and write. Reading this reminds me of the memories I had with the kids in the orphanage. Unfortunately, I stopped when I gave birth. I think I should pay them a visit this holiday season. Thanks for sharing this wonderful project.
Fernan Lachica
It’s very warming to know this place intended for children and their welfare. Great cause can really move the society into the future. Feeling more when children is the concept of this matter.
Zwitsy
It’s nice and heartwarming to know that we can really help regardless of our economic status in life. I am sure that you guys are all happy with this outreach project you have made. I am so proud of you. Wish to be able to participate one time, soon.
Annemarie LeBlanc
Such a noble act to reach out and help others. Those children deserve a better life. I am happy that there are people like you who go out of their way to make these kids feel loved.
Nova
It feel so amazing when you know that you had help with those outreach programs, even if you handed those goodies to the once who truly needed them is something remarkable.
JessicaACassidy (@wifetoalineman)
This is is such a beautiful event to be part of. I used to work in the DSWD before and sharing your loves to the infants were mesmerizing. I would cry and my heart will fill of joy if I am part of this event.
Dickvincedorry Salinas
My lil man loves to involve this kind of activity
Chubskulit Rose
I miss doing outreach programs. We used to do that when I was still working in Divine Word when I was still there.
gilian
Great project. Continue inspiring people and be a blessing to others. Your labor is not in vain.
Anna “Mommy Anna” Plaida
Nice project, I have to admit we are not active in this kind of event. But every year in my son’s school we are asked to donate goods for the charity nanapili ng school
Melisa Centino Sanchez
Indeed this outreach program is very special for this people who really need our help. Giving is sharing what we have. I’m sure ang sarap sa pakiramdam after maghelp same feelings din sa natulungan mo.
amethystineblue81882
When I was in college I was a volunteer. Ang sarap sa pakiramdam kapag nakakatulong sa iba. I need to regain this kind of drive again. I guess I got too swamped with motherhood that I’ve forgotten to give time for this kind of work. This is actually close to my heart, especially that I have a kid who has special needs.
nilyncartagena
I completely agree on “we can give no matter what our economic capabilities are” – because at the end of the day, it’s our desire to help that counts. God bless these children. We also do this in the church during summer vacation where kids are taught about the word of God and are also given household needs/school supplies that they can take home with them. They also come from the generosity of the church members.
Michi (@michisolee)
This is a nice project. In my son school, they always have outreach program and part of their Field Trip is visiting orphanage. Last month, they visited Manila Boystown in Marikina.
Jonathan-Jane Feliciano
Thank you so much Ms. Teresa for sharing our project in your blog. Indeed, t’was a nice feeling to set a good example to our children and to our community in our own little way. We will continue these good deeds for the future generation to follow. God bless you & your family
Teresa Martinez
It is always a privilege to share worthy causes to my readers and I’m happy to be part of this project through CDBS-PTC.