Amidst stately trees, dilapidated buildings, and green grasses, two vehicles went into a small gate. Inside, a couple of teachers and children showed bubbly expressions on their shining faces and with smiles and decorations abound, anyone would have mistaken it for a bustling fairground.

In no time, excited members of Tolerance School’s Club for Good Conduct (CGC) disembarked one by one from the vehicles. Thanks to the initiative of their charismatic advisers Mr. Abdulhamit Durakoglu and Mr. Seyfettin Dayi; and their president Emmanuel Varona, they were able to catalyze this school year’s first “Love Drive”, which was held last October 9, 2009 at Tulungatung Elementary School.

Days before the event, the club was able to collect 8,000 pesos and hundreds of school supplies from the students. Commenting on it, Mr. Arnel Bartolome, principal of Tolerance School, opined, “That’s what we need in today’s society: people who can share wholeheartedly and willingly…” Out of this small contribution, “…they were able to make a big impact…”, as Mr. Bartolome says, for they were able to help around 100 destitute students in that school.

They conducted a small program, and surely, both the teachers and students enjoyed, for it was full of games and surprises. The club president served as the master of ceremonies, and Mr. Durakoglu and Mr. Sumbrana, the barangay captain of Tulungatung, gave their respective messages on helping others.

The day would be a very memorable one for them, for they knew they were able to help others. To sum it up, as what Mr. Durakoglu would state:

“I’m very, very happy right now…I hope we can continue this one…”

Now, who says it’s just a small contribution?