IMG_9031IMG_9034IMG_9018IMG_9027IMG_9021IMG_9028IMG_9019The Arrupe Office of Social Formation, through its Student Servant Leadership Program (SSLP), is down the homestretch preparing the Christmas goodies for the children and teachers of Adecor Elementary School in the Island Garden City of Samal (IGACoS).  Starting 1st December 2014, the Arrupe Office launched the Pagbabahagi Pasko 2014, an annual Christmas package drive, in the Open Field of Jacinto campus.  The launching officially kicked off the campaign season to gather monetary donations for a cause that intends to assist different communities in need, especially during Christmas. This year, the Pagbabahagi Program campaigned for donations coming from the university community, alumni including, particularly from partner offices and organizations (both internal and external), the proceeds of which will be given to an identified partner community—the Adecor Elementary School, in Samal, populated mostly by Muslim children coming from the Sama tribe.

Each bag of goodies, worth PhP 500 each, consists of school supplies, toys (for the children), and some food stuffs.  These will be distributed to the pupils and teachers of Adecor in a special program on Sunday, 14th December 2014.  The program, which will take place until noontime, will be conducted by the corps of student volunteers, the Arrupe Vols, and will be participated in by Arrupe’s many partners in this special year-ender: The University Community Engagement & Advocacy Council (UCEAC); the Community Engagement Team, the First Year Development Program (FYDP), and the National Service Training Program (NSTP) of the Arrupe Office; Campus Clubs Organization (CCO), the SAMAHAN Central Board, the Social Work Department, the Grade School Unit, and the Engineering and Architecture Student Executive Committee (EASEC). Jollibee Corporation will provide the meals during the program; the Jollibee mascot(s) will also be on hand to entertain the pupils and their families.

Prior to Sunday’s celebration, a select group of Arrupe Vols conducted a pre-Christmas workshop for the pupils. With permission from the parents and the children themselves, some Ateneo students also took photos and videos of the children beneficiaries inorder to amplify this Christmas campaign all throughout the university, both in the campuses of Matina and Jacinto.

Until late Friday evening at the Arrupe office, the Arrupe Vols and office staff repacked around 300 plus goodies into individual bags.  These light green reusable bags will be distributed to the children in the presence of their parents and the Adecor community. (By M. Isabel S. Actub, Arrupe Communications & Advocacy)