incgiving – 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.

Replenishing the Edmonton Food Bank

The cold season in Canada is a difficult time for many families, including those in the Edmonton region.

Concerned for the community, INC Giving volunteers of the Edmonton region, came together to give a helping hand.

A food donation drive was initiated earlier this month. The INC Giving volunteers responded promptly and generously by buying and gathering non-perishable food items to donate to the Edmonton Food Bank. The support was overwhelming, and the volunteers felt joy in their hearts knowing that whatever they donated, helped numerous families in need. Volunteers empathized and understood that there was a need for food donations because many community members struggled to put food on the table for their families.

Boxes of donations were collected in the respective areas such as: Edmonton North, Edmonton West, Eastwood and Ellerslie in the Edmonton region. Then, two weeks later, volunteers gathered enough non-perishable food items to fill up to 445 boxes. Although the weather conditions were very cold in Edmonton, as many as 600 INC Giving volunteers came out to help the Edmonton Hagmann Fire Station and gave support to this Nation-Wide Campaign. INC Giving volunteers and firemen alike formed an assembly line, massing a stockpile of canned goods. Excitement and joy in the air were present, as boxes after boxes piled high at the fire station. The workers at the station working that day, could not believe the amount of food donated and the amount of volunteers who showed up to support this cause.

Chief Fireman, Tom Groot, expressed his gratitude to the INC Giving volunteers for their willingness to give so much to the community. Also, he stated that, “All these extra food will help people in need, such as the homeless, and will provide a good meal to help anyone in need to survive.” – Chief Fireman, Tom Groot

Contributed by: Jowella Mendoza

Jowella Mendoza is an active INC GIVING volunteer from Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. She works at a bank and spends her free time with her family and friends. Despite her busy schedule, she understands the importance of giving back to those in need because she believes that donating is an important cause that everyone should take part in, even if it’s just during a few of the day.

Stories From Manila – #21DaysOfKindness

Nowadays, not too many people take the time to show kindness towards strangers. Some say they’re busy while others may not know how to start, but sometimes, you don’t even have to look too far to show kindness.

This past March, the Ecclesiastical District of Manila launched the 21-Day Kindness Challenge, which had been successfully launched in various districts outside the Philippines. These are some of the stories of those who took on the challenge.

On this particular day after my work, dumeretso sa dako para dumalo ng gawain, then bago umuwi ng bahay dumaan ako kay tatay para ibigay angdala kong pagkain galing sa office. Nakahiga nasya kanina then humarap ako sa kanya bigla syang bumangon at binati ako, kitang kita ko sa mga mata nyakung gaano sya kasaya, Humingi ako ng picture sa kanya, and for the first time we have a picture as remembrance…Ang sabi ko kay Tatay Eddie, “Masaya ako, kasi may napasaya ako sa araw na ito.”

This is Eddie who has a son named Loloy. I met him and his son in the area near Domingo Santiago, Sampaloc, Manila. They are from Bulacan but Eddie says life is hard there so he came here with his son. He doesn’t have a wife and even though they have relatives, but they live far from them.

His son, Loloy, collects junks and sells them to the junk shop so that they have something to eat.

On this particular day after work, I went straight to attend bible study. Then, before I went home I went to Eddie’s place to give him food, which I brought home from the office.

He was already lying down, but when he saw me he got up to greet me. I could see from his eyes how happy he was. I asked for a picture with him so we have something that would remind us of this moment. I said to him, “I am happy because this day I was able to bring happiness to someone.”

Jessa Mae Jose is from the local congregation of Sampaloc in Manila. Along with spreading kindness on the streets of Manila, she sings in the choir, a Children’s Worship Service Officer in the area of Altura Main and helps oversee an area Area as part of the KADIWA Organization (Organization of single members over 18)

So I was waiting for my research team at a meeting place near UE when suddenly this child approached me and asked for some spare change. Instead, giving him changed I offered him lunch in a cafeteria nearby.

As we conversed, he told me his name was Exequiel. I asked him why he was begging people for money and I found out that he only wanted to help his father who feeds him along with his 5 siblings. They can only afford rice as his “baon (lunch from home)” in school to be shared with his brothers and sisters. His mother recently left for Davao.

Before going our separate ways, I gave him some money and he said: “Yes, may pambili na kami ng bigas (we now have enough money to buy rice).” A small act of kindness for you might be huge for someone, so never stop being kind!

Princess Ronquillo is from the local congregation of Tondo, the most densely populated district in the city of Manila. She is a member of SCAN (Society of Communicators and Networkers) and a Teacher for the Children’s Worship Service of the Church Of Christ. In addition, she’s one of the District Officers for the Christian Brotherhood International (CBI), an organization for students.

A tricycle ride from our house in Guiguinto, Bulacan, to the main road costs 10 pesos for each person, but, I gave twice the regular fair. These drivers (some of them are very old) spend most of their time serving other people just so they can provide for their family. By the end of the trip, I handed one of the Iglesia Ni Cristo’s PASUGO(God’s Message) magazines as a thank you for the tricycle driver’s kindness to me during the trip.

It’s not about how much you give to people but it’s about how much you care and show kindness for them.

A little tip for their hard work might be a simple thing but every simple thing that is made out of pure love and kindness makes it special!

Reinier Roman Santos sings in the choir in the Church Of Christ’s local congregation in Tayuman, Philippines. He is the Christian Brotherhood International District Director. He commutes regularly and has been paying twice the regular fare on tricycle rides side 2013

At a very young age, I lost my grandparents on both sides of my family. Considering that I was such a grandpa’s girl, my heart remains close to the elderly. Seeing a grandma seated at the side of the street, under the heat of the sun in front of the Jose Reyes Memorial Medical Center in Santa Cruz, Metro Manila, I couldn’t help but approach her.

I talked to her, and she confided that her children were in the province and that she was just waiting there in front of the hospital to sell goods, the proceeds of which will go to her loved ones. I gave her a pack of food and, of course, gave her a copy of the God’s Message Magazine, as a gesture of goodwill and as a means of sharing my faith. Then I saw a smile on her face and as she thanked me, I thought, “Thank you, grandma. It’s about time for you to receive all the love you’ve given to your family”

As a choir member, Assistant Chairperson in the local congregation’s KADIWA (organization for single members 18 and above), and the President of the Children’s Worship Service in Tayuman, an area in northern Manila, Shaira A. Salangsang is often busy with the various activities in the Church Of Christ.

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Hopefully, these acts of kindness will prove that beyond the usual problems in life, there are people with big hearts always willing to extend a helping hand.

What’s your act of kindness today? #incgiving #21DayKindnessChallenge

Grateful to Give

Every day, over 188 phone calls are made to the Calgary Food Bank requesting for emergency food hampers. And, so when our local congregation was first notified of the Food Bank Donation Drive Activity, I could already feel the excitement of the volunteers because we knew we would have the chance to contribute to the needs of the food bank and help those in need in our community. But even then I was surprised by just how much we could help.

Our goal was to gather 50 boxes worth of food donation, but tried our best to do more. The INC Giving volunteers spent all week eagerly shopping for items requested by the food bank – such as, canned goods and diapers.

On the day of the event, a representative from the Calgary Food Bank drove in with a large truck to pick up all 104 boxes that the region was able to fill, which weighed 8915 lbs. Despite the harsh weather conditions, INC Giving volunteers still showed up to help load the boxes, one by one, onto the truck.

It was so inspiring to see INC Giving Volunteers and the Calgary Food Bank unite to help out our fellowmen and not let the weather stop them from performing good deeds. Even the Calgary Food Bank driver’s face was really surprised to see so many people waiting outside in the snow for him. He was even more moved when we started to help load the boxes onto the truck.

Once all the boxes were in the truck ready to be dropped off, the representative thanked the INC Giving Volunteers for their time and effort and took a group photo with everyone. Calgary West’s resident minister, Brother James Lajeras, offered them a God’s Message magazine after the activity.

We often get caught up in life and sometimes take essential things, such as. shelter and food for granted. We are very fortunate here in this part of the world as we have a higher quality way of life and are lucky to be able to receive food, shelter and education every day. However, that should not stop us from helping out those in need.

I saw a quote online that said “Never judge people who have little to nothing, as one day you may find yourself having nothing at all.”

We should be thankful for what we have when some people have nothing at all. We should always try to do good deeds every day, no matter how small the act is. Even the little things, like donating that one extra can of food in our pantry, or donating that pile of old clothes in our closet, can help out someone’s life significantly. Little things can truly make a huge impact on those around you. I know it did for me.

The Calgary Food Bank serves families, individuals and organizations and rely solely on the generous support of the community. Visit http://www.calgaryfoodbank.com/ to see how you can help

Contributed by: Thea Canero

Thea Canero is an INC Giving Volunteer from Calgary, Alberta, Canada. She is an active participant in INC Giving Projects and the FYM Foundation. Thea is a Sociology major at the University of Calgary and hopes with her degree to help contribute and improve public social services to better support the needs of members in her community. Thea 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.

Metro Manila takes on the 21 Day Kindness Challenge

Sometimes it’s easy to be caught up in the daily grind that we forget to look up and see the opportunities in front of us to do good and make a difference.

So a group of young members of the Iglesia Ni Cristo from Metro Manila, Philippines, one of the busiest and most congested regions of the world, set out to go out into their communities to share kindness by taking on the INC Giving 21 Day Kindness Challenge. The goal: to spread kindness not just with the ones on the recipient end but even inspire those around them to take on the challenge with them.

Rachel Del Rosario from Guadalupe, in Makati, one of the 16 cities making up Metro Manila, started her day by sharing her meal.

Saw our Office Driver wiping our company car and decided to interrupt him to share my breakfast meal. #21DayKindnessChallenge #IglesianiCristo #incmediaorg #DoGood

And she wasn’t the only one to share her meal. Chi Shing Wan from Pembo, another area in Makati, handed a meal to a homeless man.

“Not my first time giving someone a dinner to a homeless man. But this is the most heart touching moment I would like to share. The man cried after I gave to him food that night. He hasn’t eaten for DAYS!”

This was day two of their 21 days of kindness. But they were just getting started. Chi had also volunteered his time to be part of Developers Connect, a non-proﬁt organization that promotes the “IT Pinoy Talent” – hosting free code camps and seminars for individuals interested in technology.

In Quezon City, near the Central Temple of the Iglesia Ni Cristo, Jean Aina Sta. Ana has been busy spreading kindness, starting with a security guard she often sees during her commute.

“On this day, on my way home, I found a security guard who looked tired. He had a frown on his face, and a certain slowness in his movements as; this bothered me because even when he looked this way, he was still fulfilling his duties as a security guard, however, he didn’t get a thank you from the drivers he helped in parking their cars, or the people he helped with groceries, so, in hopes of uplifting his spirits, I “mano” him (Filipino sign of respect). At first, he was confused as to why I did this, then I thanked him for all his hard work, this simple act of kindness put a wide smile on his face.

“She continued her random acts of kindness, by walking around her city giving compliments attached to sweets.

“Too often, we underestimate the power of a smile, a kind word, a simple compliment, or the smallest act of caring; all of which have the ability to make someone’s day and the potential to turn a life around. So let’s give out compliments and be the reason why someone smiles today.

Kindness is one of the greatest gifts we can bestow upon another. A little kindness goes a long way; a smile, a simple compliment can turn a frown on any person’s face upside down. Everyday, we pass by so many people, going to work, going to school, everywhere; these people could be struggling, they have problems that they carry around, but a simple compliment can uplift their spirits for a whole day.” – Jean Aina Sta. Ana

Acts of kindness can occur at anytime, as Rencel Vocales from Evangelista quickly found out. While in the market, she found an opportunity to buy a meal for individuals who dedicate their lives helping others.

On the same day, she found another opportunity to spread kindness, this time on her commute.

”As part of 21-day kindness challenge, Day 17, I bought two tickets for the next commuter who will buy tickets and gave her free bus ticket and also I leave them with INC media card.” – Rencel Vocales

And for Giancarlo Pajanel, from Valenzuela, Metro Manila, and his friends, their first act of kindness was not random at all. Wanting to show their appreciation to a group of individuals directly impacting their Barangay, they surprised them with a heartfelt thank you and snack.

“We thank our Area(Barangay) Peacekeeping and Security Officers who stayed up late and watch over the safety of our area. We bought bread and bottled water to them.”

Stay tuned for updates from these individuals and other participants of the INC Giving 21 Day Kindness Challenge.

And if you’re reading this and haven’t taken on the challenge, why not start today? Make sure to check out this link for suggested acts of kindness and watch and read the stories of individuals, like yourself, that have taken on the challenge and see how it’s impacted them and their community.

Then get started! It’s that easy!

Post your photos on social media and use #incgiving #21DayKindnessChallenge. Make sure to submit your story on incgiving.org.

Contributed by participants of the 21 Day Kindness Challenge in Metro Manila Philippines. With participants from various parts of the world, the INC Giving 21 Day Kindness Challenge is inspiring individuals young and old from all over the world to go out into their community to do good.

Helping Get Rid of Rubbish on Australia Clean Up Day

Yellow and white rectangles were laid neatly on the ground, one row above the other. As odd as it seemed, this clearly wasn’t random rubbish strewn across the ground. Something was happening here. There was a plan. A closer look revealed that these were actually rubbish bags that had been carefully laid out. Considering this all happened on Clean Up Australia Day, it made perfect sense.

Every year on the first Sunday of March, Clean Up Australia Day is held throughout the entire country. It’s an effort that was started in 1989 after Ian Kiernan noticed heavy pollution and trash in the various waterways that he passed through during a yacht race. He was moved to action and as soon as he returned, aimed to clean up the waterways, starting at Sydney Harbor in his home country. Fast-forward almost 30 years later, with over 7,253 sites and over 587,000 volunteers nation-wide, the Clean Up Australia Day effort continues to inspire others to take action.

One such group are the volunteers of the INC Giving Project from the various Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church Of Christ) local congregations across Australia. They were the ones responsible for the yellow and white rubbish bags on the ground, which they later filled to capacity with as much rubbish they could find. The broad reach of the Church Of Christ, along with the versatility of the INC Giving Project, made these volunteers well suited for an effort like Clean Up Australia Day. This was in full display as men and women, young and old, came together to clean up Australia’s parks, waterways and public spaces.

“…gain a deeper understanding of what volunteering is truly rooted in.”

These sorts of efforts benefit communities in so many ways. The obvious benefit of course is the environmental impact. Beyond this though is the improvement of societal health, which we see any time multiple communities are united by one common goal. It gives many the opportunities to meet and interact with people from outside of their own neighborhoods and social circles, and ideally, gain a deeper understanding of what volunteering is truly rooted in.

This is the ultimate goal of the INC Giving Volunteers; to pass along the message of kindness for the community and care for the environment, and above all the message of God’s teachings- not only through words but through the actual work and labor that is put in to volunteering.

“…feel free to grab a bag and jump right in…”

So the next time you see yellow and white rubbish bags that are laid out neatly on the ground, don’t worry. No need to call a clean up crew, because chances are the crew is already there; and since you are already there staring at a neat row of bags, feel free to grab a bag and jump right in and join the INC Giving Volunteers on their latest effort to do good.

“…join the INC Giving Volunteers on their latest effort to do good.”

Ideas for Individuals

Look early for opportunities you can volunteer for or organizations looking for volunteers the weekend of April 7 and 8. Make sure to invite a friend or two to volunteer with you.

Search for organizations in your neighborhood and email them to see how you can help.
Donate to a charity or organization that has impacted your life.
Volunteer your expertise and background to a local organization that needs it. For example – if you work in HR volunteer your resume reviewing skills to a shelter offering the service.
Reach out to organizations you’ve worked with in the past and volunteer your time.
Organize a drive for goods or services to donate a local shelter or organization.

Ideas for Your Local Congregation

Volunteers play a huge part in the services organizations are able to provide in your city. Find out how many volunteers are needed and depending on the size of volunteers, you may need to find several opportunities to give everyone a chance to participate.

Here are some ways your local congregation can participate in the weekend of service:

Contact City Officials to see how you can lead/sponsor a Community Clean Up
Find out what city events are happening in your city and if there is a need for volunteers
Spend quality time with residents of elderly community. Activities include
- Singing for A Cause
- Art of Giving Projects
- Gardening or other group volunteering with organizations that deliver food to seniors, running errands, visiting local seniors
Police/Fire Appreciation Days – Visit your local precinct/stations and bring recognition and treats for the services they provide your community
Coordinate a group volunteer opportunity with a local shelter, food banks, etc that is always in need of volunteers
Coordinate with a community center to sponsor “A Help Up” event for low income communities

How One Idea Impacted 200

Rhea Mae Cabardo, a small business owner and INC Giving volunteer from Omaha, Nebraska was sitting at her desk as usual when she felt a strong pull at her heart that she was supposed to do something for the kids at her sister’s school.

How did you get started?

Literally, that moment when I felt that tug, I contacted the school secretary and told her what I was inspired to do. I then drove over to Oriental Trading Company and spoke to the Marketing Manager. I sent them a follow-up email and within days they had sent me boxes to my house with more than 2000 items. I emailed Google and visited local supermarkets and informed them of what I was doing. I contacted the Universities in the area and all of those I had reached out to was more than willing to donate.

I have a small business marketing company and reached out to all the local small business owners and they were ready and willing to sponsor bags. After putting it on Facebook and Instagram, my friends from all over the world inquired and sent money to sponsor bags as well.

What was the reaction from those you contacted?

They were eager and did not hesitate to give what they could after speaking with them. It was so inspiring to see their hearts and love for children.

How did get in contact with the school?

My sister is the counselor and set up a time for me to talk to the school’s principal.

It snowballed into something amazing, in regards to the response from the community at large.

What was your biggest take away…and what would you say to someone thinking about doing something good for a local school?

My biggest take away is, don’t silence the small voice that’s telling you to be of service. Whether it’s to be of service to one person, 2 people or thousands. Sometimes the doubt is louder than that small voice telling you to do it that good thing. For a brief moment, the doubt kept creeping saying, “someone else will do it, who do you think you are, where are you going to get the money to do this.” But I just prayed and was reminded that if God is part of this, everything will fall into place.

So at the end of December, proudly wearing her INC Giving T-shirt, Rhea delivered about 200 bags for the students of Florence Elementary School. When interviewed about what inspired her, Rhea simply said, “that the community cares about them, they’re thought about and they’re love.”

Rhea’s efforts was featured on KMTV News 3, the Point Forward, a local online publication and the Omaha Public School Newsletter.

Rhea Mae Cabardo works is a small business owner based in Omaha, Nebraska. She often helps with the events of the INCGiving Project in her hometown. She is already making plans to do a similar event this year with another local school

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.

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