Story

On the night of July 13, 2024, a devastating fire swept through a slum area, reducing homes to ashes in a matter of minutes. The fire, fueled by the flammable light materials that made up the majority of the houses, spread rapidly and left many families with nothing but the clothes on their backs—if they were lucky enough to have even that. Among those affected were my close friends and their families, who were forced to flee their homes with no time to save even a single belonging. In the aftermath of the blaze, their lives have been turned upside down, and their struggle for survival continues.

It has now been over a month since that tragic evening, and the challenges faced by the victims are growing increasingly severe. Despite the government’s initial financial assistance, it has proven to be far from sufficient. Many families, including my friends, are still living in temporary shelters—tents that offer little protection against the elements. The funds they received were barely enough to cover basic needs, let alone rebuild their homes. As the days go by, their situation becomes more desperate.

Hygiene has become a critical issue. With limited access to clean water and essential sanitary products, maintaining basic cleanliness is a daily struggle. Many families, including children, are in dire need of hygiene kits, including soap, toothpaste, and sanitary napkins. Clothes are also in short supply, as many were forced to leave everything behind in the rush to escape the flames. Without sufficient clothing, these families are vulnerable to the elements and the spread of illness.

The need for food is another pressing concern. Ready-to-eat meals and non-perishable food items are urgently required to sustain these families, who have lost their means of cooking and food storage. Utensils and basic kitchen supplies are also needed, as many were lost in the fire. Additionally, the children who were affected by this tragedy are in desperate need of school supplies to continue their education. Notebooks, pens, and other essential items will help them maintain some sense of normalcy in the face of such overwhelming adversity.

I am Aaron de Luna, and I am reaching out on behalf of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, a non-profit organization based in Davao City, Philippines. Our mission is to provide immediate and effective assistance to those in need. We are mobilizing our team to deliver in-kind donations directly to the affected families, but we need your help. We are seeking donations of hygiene kits, clothes, ready-to-eat foods, utensils, slippers, school supplies, sanitary napkins, and other essential items.

Please join us in making a difference. Your contributions, no matter how small, can help these families regain their dignity and begin to rebuild their lives. Together, we can bring hope to those who have lost everything. Let us show them that they are not alone in this time of need.

If you are able to contribute, please reach out to us. Your generosity can make a world of difference. Thank you for your compassion and support.