I didn't know where to put this but if it is inappropriate then just delete it. My wife is in Lawaan III, Talisay City, Cebu with her family for Christmas. Lawaan III is a very poor area, or at least it looks that way to me. Last night they had a fire there and 87 houses burned to the ground. The fire stopped at my MIL house and she had no serious damage. Wife's house was untouched. I am only posting this so that those that believe in that sort of thing can keep these people in your thoughts and prayers. I don't know if it is practical to try to send any clothes, household goods, or anything or even if it is necessary. I don't know how much the barangy and DSWD do in cases like this. I know they are there now.
A pity there is no central collection point in Dumaguete (I believe) for unwanted goods (as with charity shops in some countries) - these could be given to local needy people and also used for national calamities when they occur (all too frequently). If I am wrong then please point me in the direction of where items can be left.
In the US, St Vincent De Paul operates some charity stores that accept and give out goods but, although St Vincent De Paul is here, I can't find where they operate any kind of store here like they have in the US. I haven't seen any charity type store like that here. I guess everyone is so poor the donations would be non existent. There is a guy that lives here that gives away flip flops and maybe a few other things. I don't know if he accepts donated goods from locals or not. I know he receives BB boxes from other countries with goods that he gives away.
