I HAVE not seen so many Filipinos in the USA united together for a cause than when the Philippines was battered by a series of deadly typhoons.

From the professional groups, lowly paid Filipinos and workers from the various private entities and government agencies have come out to join a drive.

Sun.Star accepts donations for victims of Typhoon Ondoy

Numerous civic and religious organizations have joined hands to raise funds for the typhoon victims back home.

Many churches nationwide have offered its collections and campaign so hard to make sure every victim of the great tragedy is given assistance. Priests have spoken so hard to campaign for help.

In particular, various chapters of the Knights of Columbus in the State of California have vigorously come out to produce the necessary assistance needed in the beleaguered country.

Provincial organizations of Filipino-Americans from various provinces in the Visayas, Luzon and Mindanao, have organized benefit dances and raffle tickets for the purpose.

Civic groups like the Rotary, Lions and others with Filipino membership have also joined in the great campaign for a cause. Hats and cans were passed around in any groups where there are Filipinos.

Some youth organizations have also indulged in their own way of helping the victims. They organized fund campaign programs too and were able to produce some money to be sent to the country. One of them said their drive involves cash and in kind. They are sending soon bundles of blankets, clothes, towel and other items. They also campaign for medicines especially for fever and diarrhea.

Young boys and girls in the elementary and secondary levels even contributed in some ways for the poor youngsters in the Philippines. They also felt the need to support the victims.

Never in the history of Filipino-Americans have so many of them working together and hurriedly to save lives and properties in the Philippines.

Filipinos in the USA are reacting to the series of headlines news showing victims clinging in rooftops, in trees and in other areas to survive. The dead floating in rivers and street waters have increased their quick determination to help. The damages of homes and other properties were just terrible to imagine. "This is unprecedented," said a man from Bataan who said their province is prone to typhoon but he never saw one like that ever.

Old-timers and observers express hope the funds coming from the Filipino-Americans will fall into the hands of the victims. They are afraid it will be like the fund campaigns in the past when the money never reached the intended victims but instead went through the pockets of some thieves. (ben_emata@yahoo.com)