MANILA, Philippines - The busy holiday season was made extra special with the activation of Box A Smile, LBC’s Christmas gift-giving activity during which smiles were delivered to 3,000 underprivileged children in various communities. The events were a success, drawing volunteers both from the LBC and Project Pearls communities.
Project Pearls, a volunteer, non-government agency headed by Melissa Villa, gathered children in the various communities of Helping Land/Newland, Tondo, Manila, Lubusang Alyansa ng Katutubong Aeta ng Sambales in Botolan, Zambales, and relocated residents of Ulingan now in Barangay Batia, Bulacan. A total of 3,000 children were treated to a Christmas party with games and prizes, lots of dancing and singing, and of course, food and drinks.
Over 3,000 donor participants from the US were engaged, and co-sponsors likewise provided much-needed assistance.
“Seeing all those kids and the joy on their faces as we not only gave them gifts but also played with them and showed them kindness was heartwarming and moving. It was a good reminder that this is how Christmas, and everyday for that matter, should be. A time to share, and spread joy and peace,” said Nena Wuthrich, executive director, LBC Foundation.
The LBC family came in full force, some employees dressed as Santa Claus, enjoining the children and all present that it is indeed family that truly makes the holiday season special and memorable.
According to Villa, LBC has been a very important partner for Project Pearls. LBC USA generously provided assistance to Project Pearls in transporting in-kind donations to Manila from United States.
“When they informed me that they would like to partner with Project Pearls for a gift-giving for 3,000 children, I was very grateful and humbled, not to mention, I was jumping up and down from excitement because this is the first time we are able to provide Christmas gifts to over 1,000 children,” she said.
“LBC and Project PEARLS partnership is more than just a corporate partnership, it is really a partnership for humanity. Together, we are helping and supporting each other in making this world a better and kinder place for all - rich, poor or poorest,” Villa added.
LBC Box A Smile would not have been possible without the kind assistance of co-sponsors and donors , namely McDonald’s Philippines, LDL Marketing Inc., Children’s Hour, Belo Essentials, Adriatic Manufacturing Corp., Agron and United Laboratories Inc.
“We thank all our co-sponsors, and volunteers, and likewise our customer participants for helping LBC make this possible, and bring smiles to 3,000 children. Seeing the smiles of the children. We’re happy to make their Christmas a little bit brighter,” Monica Araneta, LBC Foundation president, said.