It's Clean Up Time with Kythe Foundation

One of the fondest memories I have when I started studying Social Work was becoming a volunteer for Kythe Foundation.

Kythe Foundation is a non-profit organization in the Philippines that provides psychosocial care to children with chronic illnesses like cancer. They also lend support to the family or caregivers of the patient, ensuring that the pain and anxiety that they are undergoing are somewhat alleviated.

This activity was not part of our curriculum, it just came to be because of an invitation from my classmate, Pai, who also volunteered for Kythe back then. Together with a few classmates, we went to the then-Davao Medical Center (DMC), now known as Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC), Children's ward to organize their library-slash-playroom, to make way for new toys and supplies that the children can use.

While we were cleaning and organizing the room, the children were scampering outside and snatching quick glances at us while we work. Not because we were beautiful or handsome (ehem!), but because they can't help but look with greedy eyes at the unopened boxes of toys and books they will soon be enjoying after we finish cleaning up the room. We were also joined by some nurses at the ward who told us that they were very elated about the new supplies that came since it brought about the re-opening of the playroom for the patients and their parents.

After doing the task, we then made bedside visits to the patients at the ward where we also distributed activity books, that were sponsored by a milk company, to the children. The scene of it all was too overwhelming for me. The beds were situated side by side with barely enough room for others to walk around. Furthermore, some of the beds were situated along the corridors due to the lack of space. These patients were left with no option but to let themselves be admitted in these damning circumstances due to lack of money and resources.

But amidst of all it, they gave us genuine heartwarming smiles as we visit them and their guardians individually. Their warm acceptance and deep gratitude made all the difference. Amidst the dire situation they were in, they were still grateful for the little gifts we have given them: time, service, and care. And that alone is irreplaceable.

 

It truly is a gift to be a blessing to others. All our actions, no matter how small and mundane, can create long-lasting changes that has the greatest impact.  

As long as you have hands, work for the betterment of others. Work and work, that even when you lose your hands, you can't help but find ways to use your remaining limbs to finish what you have started. Then, you will understand that nothing is impossible with or without limbs, as long as the will to serve and be a blessing to others still lives on.

Kythe is open for volunteers all over the Philippines. You can also reach Kythe and see updates about their upcoming activities through their Facebook Fan Page

Monday, July 14, 2014

Kythe Foundation, Volunteer Works