Fritzie Gothot

When the powerful 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck Mindanao, lives changed in an instant. One of the hardest-hit areas was Glan, Sarangani Province, located right near the epicenter. ​Although I now live in Alaska, my roots remain deeply tied to Mindanao. Through my family, friends, and community contacts on the ground, I have witnessed the heartbreaking impact this disaster has had on families back home. ​In Purok Banahao, Sto. Niño, Glan, approximately 20 families have suffered severe, devastating damage to their homes. Right now, these families are forced to sleep outside in the elements because their houses are completely unsafe due to cracked walls, collapsed roofs, and unstable structures. CRITICAL CURRENT UPDATE: To make matters worse, Mindanao was just hit by a powerful 5.8 magnitude aftershock. The ground is still shaking, and structures that were already weakened are cracking further and collapsing. This is exactly why these families cannot go back inside—the danger is active and ongoing right now. We urgently need to get rebuilding materials and basic necessities to these families as they recover from ongoing aftershocks. While general government assistance and initial relief goods have started to arrive, the need on the ground remains overwhelming. These families need urgent, direct help to rebuild their lives. ​Where Your Donations Will Go ​Our goal is to directly assist these specific 20 families with two critical phases: ​ 1. Shelter & Rebuilding Materials • ​Roofing sheets (GI sheets/yero) • ​Lumber, plywood, and nails • ​Cement and hollow blocks ​2. Food & Urgent Necessities • ​Rice and canned goods • ​Clean drinking water • ​Non-perishable food items ​100% Transparency & Accountability ​We know that you want your hard-earned money to go exactly where it is promised. To ensure absolute transparency, we will provide regular updates, photos, receipts, and progress reports right here on this page so you can see the direct impact of your generosity. ​We know we cannot help everyone in Glan. But by focusing our hearts and resources on these 20 families, we can provide immediate, meaningful, and life-changing assistance to those who need it most. ​These families are our neighbors, relatives, friends, and community members. They aren't asking for luxury—only a safe place to sleep, clean water, a warm meal, and the chance to rebuild. ​Every donation, no matter the size, makes a massive difference. ​From my family here in Alaska and our community around the world, thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your kindness, generosity, and prayers. Let's help the people of Glan rise again. ​God bless you.❤️