helping – INC Giving Project

A Reason To Give

Being a nurse, one of my duties is to administer blood/blood products, and monitor patients requiring a blood transfusion. Therefore, it is normal in my line of work to see units of blood at the hospital being brought to patients’ rooms and to operating rooms. They are a dire necessity. They help save lives.

When I heard that there would be a blood donation drive sponsored by the Iglesia Ni Cristo again this year, in partnership with the Felix Y. Manalo Foundation, I was eager to participate. I donated blood for the first time last year, representing the same organization, and despite the challenge I had with my small veins, I decided to give it another try.

The first time I donated blood, the nurses had a difficult time locating my veins; it took almost 15 minutes just to find a good vein. I felt anxious thinking about how difficult it was the first time I donated, but thankfully, it was much easier this time. I felt relieved.

Sitting there, I realized that I was not well hydrated, and it took quite a while for me to fill up the bag. The next time I donate, I will make sure to drink plenty of water the night before and on the day of the event, so that I can stay well-hydrated — this will make the whole process easier and quicker.

When I finally finished, the nurses offered me juice and cookies. Afterwards, they also gave me a sticker that says “Be nice to me! I donated blood today” and a cute Band-Aid that says “I gave life”.

In speaking with my fellow volunteers at the Canadian Blood Services Clinic in Surrey, it was interesting to find that some of them have given blood numerous times in the past. One gentleman I talked to has donated blood over 25 times! Another lady said it was her 12th time!

Can you imagine the number of people those volunteers and donors have helped over the years?

I felt happy that I was able to do my small part in helping my community. As I was sitting there, I wondered about the individuals whom my small contribution will be able to help.

What are their stories? Why did they need to have blood transfusions?

Even though we don’t get to see the recipients of our donation, it is still a good feeling knowing that we can make an impact on another person’s life.

During my shift in the hospital that evening, the strangest thing happened: I had a patient who needed to have a blood transfusion, and while I was preparing to attend to him, I noticed that he happened to have the exact same blood type as me!

As I prepared the unit of blood, I smiled, and thought to myself — here is an individual in front of me who would benefit from the blood donated from donors like me.

This realization made a great impact on me. As I left the room, I proudly wore my sticker that says, “I donated blood today!” I felt even more inspired to continue to donate blood whenever I can. I hope anyone reading this would be inspired to do the same.

About the Writer:

Lou Aquino is an INC Giving volunteer from Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. She is an active participant in INC Giving Projects and the Felix Y. Manalo Foundation.

Lou is a Registered Nurse in a Telemetry Unit, and looks after patients with cardiac conditions. Lou takes pride in helping others and believes that as a member of the Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church Of Christ) it is our duty to be kind and help those who are in need.

What I Learned from the Kindness Challenge

There is something fulfilling for both parties when an act of kindness is performed. We live in a society where people have taken advantage of generosity. Because of this, less and less people are willing to extend a helping hand.

For this reason, I took part in the #21DayKindnessChallenge. I challenged myself to perform at least one act of kindness to a stranger or someone I appreciate. In the beginning, I felt nervous to put myself out there and introduce myself and the Church. It is not only the recipient who benefits from these acts. As the days went on, I gained confidence. I learned empathy, compassion, and sensitivity. I learned to listen to others and not assume the situations of others. This challenge not only challenged me to be a better person, it made me a better person.

As I look back on my participation, I realize how blessed I truly am. I do not mean blessed in a monetary way, but blessed in being able to have the opportunity to pay it forward. I have bought coffee for the person behind me in line. I have written inspirational messages and left sticky notes in the female bathroom at school.

On day 10, I donated to the Ronald McDonald House Charities.

This charity helps keep families close to their sick children. As a Children’s Worship Service Teacher, children have a soft spot in my heart. I donated on behalf of the INCGiving Project because it was important for me to tie my choice with the goodness of the Church.

On day 12, I went beyond a standard 15-20% tip because as a former waitress, I understand the importance (and dependence) of a tip. Day 18 — I donated to a nearby homeless shelter. I received an unexpected direct deposit when I needed it the most. I couldn’t keep the blessing to myself, so I thanked God in a way I know He’d want; I helped those in need. I received a list of goods needed by men and women from a homeless shelter and checked off all the hygiene products needed. I threw in some extra stuff I use daily and knew others would need as well. It’s knowing the donations will be put to good use and knowing the recipients are genuinely thankful, that makes me feel happy to do it.

What I have in abundance, is scarce to someone in need.

Seeing this first hand motivates me to continue beyond 21 days. I thank the Church Administration for constantly molding me into a better person.

If someone were on the fence about participating in the challenge, I would tell them to start. Starting is always the most challenging part, but seeing the results are what is most fulfilling. Seeing the unity from different parts of the world also participating will make you feel part of a larger movement as well. It takes a moment, but the effect it has on someone makes a lasting imprint.

Click here to learn more about the #21DayKindnessChallenge.

Cassandra Gallion is an INCGiving volunteer from Bristol, Connecticut. She embraces the chance to help make someone’s day better. She is an active member of her school and neighborhood community, as well as a member of the Church Of Christ. She firmly believes it is her Christian duty to lend a helping hand.

Showing Kindness to Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School

We have seen and heard about the sad events at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School: 17 students killed by a shooter. Another senseless act.

In the wake, one of the many questions being tossed around the nation is, “How can I help?”

Staff from the high school have reached out to answer this question. With a simple search, you can find the school’s requests as well as various organizations asking for help in preparation for school reopening on February 27th.

Please join us in sharing kindness and love to the staff and students. Here are some of our suggestions. As with all acts of kindness, don’t forget to share incgiving.org or incmedia.org

Supportive Banners: Organizers are asking for supportive signs and banners, preferably laminated.
Care Packages: School supplies and practical items. We suggest including a card. You can use the template below.

We have also included below a mailing label ready to print and fill out for easy mailing.

“Whenever you possibly can, do good to those who need it.” – Proverbs 3:27 TEV

Card Template (8.5 x11 Print Size): INCG_Card_Template

Mailing Label(8.5 x 11 Print Size): INCG_AddressLabel