Hi friends and family!

As many of you know, my family runs a non-profit (Gift of Love) to support the children of Barangay Ermita in Cebu City, Philippines (where my mom grew up).

We were set to run our 3rd year of volunteering there at the end of the month where we:

But, on Tuesday 11/4, Cebu was hit pretty hard with Typhoon Tino - much of Cebu City is submerged, the government issued an executive order placing the entire province under a state of calamity, and there are many without livable homes, roofs, and electricity and with limited access to food and groceries.

The community of Cebu City is very close to our hearts - not only because it's where our roots are, but also because of the opportunity we've had to work closely with the people there for the past 3 years ... the size, warmth, and resilience of their hearts is absolutely stunning and nothing short of inspiring.

The kids we work with have become like my little brothers and sisters, and it's been heart wrenching to see how their conditions have worsened.

Here's a snapshot of my last visit to see them - it's been incredible to go back every year and witness their growth, and how they show up in their communities so full of love and joy despite their conditions.

We'd love to help them, their families, and the whole community at large keep their light alive through a devastating time.

All donated funds will go to local government leaders who we know and trust to allocate effectively for recovery efforts - and to our boots on the ground team that will provide basic needs like groceries.

If we can still travel there at end of month, we will be there to bring some light for our friends who've become family, along with recovery efforts.

Any donation amount would be greatly appreciated - even $5 goes a long way in the Philippines and any and all donations are tax deductible with Gift of Love being a registered 501c3 organization.

Thank you SO MUCH!

You can learn more about Gift of Love Outreach at www.giftofloveoutreach.org.