Giving Back (Charity) during Recession Time

Children having nutritious meals through the Feeding Program of Fr. Ed Bellen (Pastor of St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church in the Philippines)

Two years back, we had contributed canned food, pasta, candies, fruit drinks for these poor kids in the Philippines. The housing slump and the rising gasoline prices had slowed down most of the businesses in the US and other countries. But most of all, the gift industry is the most hit by this recession. So our question is : How can we still give back (charity) when our business is slow?

We have come to a few solutions. The money saved may not be that much but converting these savings from US Dollars to Philippine Peso (Philippine currency - Philippines - our chosen country for our charity projects) is a big help.

1. Brewing our own coffee instead of buying those latte and other expensive coffee to go.
2. Brown bag lunches- a big savings and healthier than fast food
3. Cutting down on office expenditures such as personal telephone calls, entertainment, supplies etc.
4. Recycle, recycle---those that can be sold for recycling can add up to a few dollars
5. Thrift shops have a lot of items that are new and cost much less than the regular price
6. Saving on electricity, water and gas
7. Telecommuting when possible or taking public transportation such as trains and buses

All these savings can add up and be used for our planned project for Christmas " My Christmas Wish" - Drawing contest that will express each of these poor kids their wish for the Christmas season.
If you are interested to know more about our Giving Back programs, please contact us via email at : aboyle@ecofriendlypackaging.net and put Attention: Inquiry about Giving Back