Flooding in Olongapo
Donation protected
As many of you may have seen by mine and Doug’s recent posts, Olongapo City in the Philippines has been devastated by massive flooding in an ongoing wave of typhoons. Unfortunately, the weather predictions indicate worsening already dire conditions over the next few days as more typhoons move into the area.
Though I am extremely hesitant to create such a campaign asking for direct monetary donations, this is in fact not just the best but only way to help my family at this time. I am already making preparations to send extra balikbayan boxes of food, clothes and supplies as soon as possible. Unfortunately, however, those boxes take upwards of 1.5 months to arrive when the weather is cooperative, and in the face of such chaos as they are experiencing now, shipping these boxes will be postponed indefinitely. Jeff suggested a fundraiser dinner, such as I have done the past two years for the children’s hospital, but there isn’t time. Much of my family has already lost everything. They cannot wait for balikbayan boxes. They need immediate relief.
Four of my siblings and their families; my mother and those of my family with whom she lived; and several of my nieces and nephews and their families have lost their homes and belongings in entirety. The roof to my mother’s house collapsed. The flooding reached the second floor where she was sheltering with her great grandchildren. Power and phones are out. I haven't heard from them since last night.
Many of you have experienced devastating flooding in the Ohio Valley yourselves firsthand. In America, we have FEMA and homeowners insurance and dedicated, reliable, trustworthy organizations and governments to aid in short- and long-term relief efforts. There is no organization like FEMA in the Philippines, and local governments have little of their own resources to go around. Oftentimes, much of the would-be aid never actually reaches those in need. The only help my family can rely upon is mine, and this is why I need yours.
Any small amount you can spare can be stretched for miles of help. A little goes a long way there. Donations will go directly to my immediate family to help them secure temporary shelter and buy food, clothes, and other such necessities until the water subsides and they can start rebuilding. If you would feel more comfortable making an in-person donation, please stop by our house anytime. Please don’t forget my family and the Philippines in your prayers. Thank you all so much.
Video of water entering my family's house
Picture my sister sent from her roof
Though I am extremely hesitant to create such a campaign asking for direct monetary donations, this is in fact not just the best but only way to help my family at this time. I am already making preparations to send extra balikbayan boxes of food, clothes and supplies as soon as possible. Unfortunately, however, those boxes take upwards of 1.5 months to arrive when the weather is cooperative, and in the face of such chaos as they are experiencing now, shipping these boxes will be postponed indefinitely. Jeff suggested a fundraiser dinner, such as I have done the past two years for the children’s hospital, but there isn’t time. Much of my family has already lost everything. They cannot wait for balikbayan boxes. They need immediate relief.
Four of my siblings and their families; my mother and those of my family with whom she lived; and several of my nieces and nephews and their families have lost their homes and belongings in entirety. The roof to my mother’s house collapsed. The flooding reached the second floor where she was sheltering with her great grandchildren. Power and phones are out. I haven't heard from them since last night.
Many of you have experienced devastating flooding in the Ohio Valley yourselves firsthand. In America, we have FEMA and homeowners insurance and dedicated, reliable, trustworthy organizations and governments to aid in short- and long-term relief efforts. There is no organization like FEMA in the Philippines, and local governments have little of their own resources to go around. Oftentimes, much of the would-be aid never actually reaches those in need. The only help my family can rely upon is mine, and this is why I need yours.
Any small amount you can spare can be stretched for miles of help. A little goes a long way there. Donations will go directly to my immediate family to help them secure temporary shelter and buy food, clothes, and other such necessities until the water subsides and they can start rebuilding. If you would feel more comfortable making an in-person donation, please stop by our house anytime. Please don’t forget my family and the Philippines in your prayers. Thank you all so much.
Video of water entering my family's house
Picture my sister sent from her roof
Organizer
Melanie Lanie Velasquez Campbell
Organizer
Shadyside, OH