Yesterday, I visited Anawim *, a home for the abandoned elderly. I was deeply saddened to have learned that some donors ceased to give to this cause as they would rather give to other charitable institutions, thinking that giving to old people would not be worth it since they will soon die anyway.
I have nothing against giving to orphanages, street children, etc., as these are wonderful places to share our blessings to. It's just that I wish people will not forget the forsaken elderly and I hope we would also help them live out their last years with dignity.
In the seven corporal works of mercy as related by Jesus in a parable (Mark 25:34-40), He said "...feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, clothe the naked, shelter the homeless, visit the sick...", and it's striking to realize that all these can refer to the neglected lolos and lolas. “Whatever you did to the least of my brethren, you did it to me.”
It is fortunate that Anawim has been blessed by some generous donors who donated for the construction of five houses. These will serve as new shelters because the current homes are already dilapidated. Also, there are a lot of mission-hearted visitors who would go there to give cheer and give in kind (food, medicine, clothing, etc).
However, since Anawim spends a big amount for its monthly operating expense, they are in dire need of cash donations. Regular funds are needed to take care of their day-to-day needs, such as electricity, food, medicine and allowance for the caregivers. So I appeal to your hearts to give whatever amount you can because it matters to them!
If you wish to donate to the abandoned lolos & lolas of Anawim,
you may do so by clicking this link: www.anawim.com.ph
you may do so by clicking this link: www.anawim.com.ph
Meet one of the lolas: LOLA VALENTINA AGOSTO
Every time there are visitors in Anawim, she always wants to entertain them by singing. She has such a happy disposition--despite being blind.
Lola Valentina could vividly recall when she arrived in Anawim. It was a rainy day of July 1, 2003. She was brought there by the son of her former employer where she worked as a domestic helper for almost 42 years.
She didn’t want to go to a home for the abandoned elderly in Montalban. But her employer had no choice since Lola Valentina has no family of her own. She has never married and she has not been back to her hometown in Leyte for all these years in Manila
She lived a sad life because she was never paid for her services. She was only given free shelter and food. Then when she grew old and her eyesight failed, she felt the family she cared for abandoned her because they had no need of her.
But her hopelessness turned into something beautiful in Anawim. She now has a home to call her own and for the first time, people are caring for her needs. She has even become closer to God. Despite her disability, she’s independent. She would eat and walk by herself. And since she has a lot to be thankful for, she can’t help but sing and even dance!
Lola Valentina is just one of the 58 abandoned elderly housed in Anawim. God loves each one of them. I applaud the caregivers and staff who tirelessly serve them there. Caloy (Center Director), Myrna (Administrative Head), Precy, Mila, Gloria, my parents, Ben and Babes Zambrano, are some of the unsung heroes of Anawim. They are God’s extended arms to these abandoned ones so that God can show them that they are valuable in His eyes.
So I hope you could pay a visit to these lolos and lolas. In their twilight years, give a sunshine of blessing to them.
~Anne~
* Anawim Lay Missions is a foundation by Bro.Bo Sanchez which serves as a home for abandoned elderly and is located in a farm in Montalban, Rizal. It is also a home for physically and mentally handicapped persons as well as orphans.
