Photo: Arnold MelorinIt started as a simple idea...Donna Bernardo Rosario of Chino Hills, California wanted to teach her son, Noah, how to be compassionate and generous. So they started a book drive with a target goal of 2,000 gently-used Preschool to Grade 4 books to be collected and sent to established organizations in the Philippines who help underprivileged kids. She posted a message on her Facebook account asking for book donations. The response was overwhelming, so she set up another Facebook account and named it PUSONG PINOY(Heart of a Filipino). It has only been less than three months since the Facebook account was set up and now they have 8,000 fans (and growing) and over 5,000 books collected and shipped to the Philippines. Pusong Pinoy has also started a food drive.
You probably wonder why I'm writing about Pusong Pinoy on this blog. It is because I was so amazed at how this group is reaching out to kids who have never seen a picture book in their life and those in schools with no library facilities. Then I looked at the long list of free kids activities on this blog and I realize how lucky our kids are! It is time to PAY IT FORWARD! Help these kids get the books and food they need. Go to Facebook to know more about PUSONG PINOY. There are drop-off locations and pickups in most cities in Southern California. I will be happy to pick up your book donations, just shoot me an email or leave a message on the comments section here. Thanks!
