Yakapin: Batang Hilagang Mindanao (YBHM)

“Put yourself in her shoes.

“You fall asleep snug in the arms of your mother; the rain pounds on the room but you are not afraid because beside you is your mother, and you know you will be safe. All of a sudden, the waters enter your home and you are swept away from all that is familiar, and everyone you love.

“You wake up dazed, not knowing what has happened to your family. You walk around aimlessly, only to find that your home and all that you love are gone….

“Toys are effective tools in helping children heal from the trauma of loss.Stuffed toys are effective comfort givers in times of stress and trauma. To children,  stuffed animals are more than toys; they become the vehicles by which they tell their stories and release their pain. Stuffed toys or teddy bears provide some comfort in a scary world.

“Please send clean, friendly-looking toys in good condition (no pigs please, owing to cultural and religious sensitivities) in any size, but ideally, big enough for a child to hug.”

Please visit any of our 12 drop-off centers in Metro Manila:

Alabang—12 Brentwood St., Hillsborough, West Service Road, Alabang. Look for Magding or JC.

Greenhills—33 Madison St., North Greenhills, San Juan. Look for Ann or Shirley.

Asuncion Berenguer Inc. 3/F Homestudio Bldg., 63 Connecticut (same building as Homestudio, Torch resto and Bose), Northeast Greenhills. Please leave with guard and indicate “Bears for YBHM.”

Makati—The Citadel Inn, 5007 P. Burgos St., Makati City c/o Andre Urbina; 15 Garcia Villa St., San Lorenzo Village, Makati. Please look for Marge.

Marikina—1 Ferdinand Marcos St., Industrial Valley Subd., Marikina. Leave with guard, please indicate “Bears for YBHM.”

Parañaque—Johnson and Johnson, Edison Road, Parañaque City (Edison is street by Zuellig). Leave with guard, indicate “Bears for YBHM.”

14 C. Diamond St., Greenheights Village, Sucat, Parañaque. Look for Yaya Marlene.

Quezon City—A-2 Doña Sotera, Pilarville Subd., QC c/o Dennis Mariano; 41 Milkyway Drive, Blue Ridge B, QC. Look for Lily.

C1C3 Narra Heights Condominium, 28 Mariposa St., QC (near Camp Crame)

Eastwood City—Unit 5c Eastwood Lafayette Tower 3, Eastwood Ave.,  Libis,  QC (in front of Watsons, near McDonalds).  Leave with guard indicate “Bears for YBHM.”