Tahanang Walang Hagdanan (TWH) is a center that provides a shelter for people with disabilities (PWD). It was started in the 60s and is now a thriving community with development, educational and rehabilitation programs in place.
My parent’s house is situated very near to where TWH is located. I lived for years watching men and women cross our streets in wheelchairs. I vaguely remember even playing sports inside the gated community during those times wherein they sponsored the neighborhood basketball or volleyball games. The surroundings were quiet and clean and I used to wonder how it could flourish in such a chaotic neighborhood such as ours.
I was shopping for gifts at Market Market! when my feet led to me the gift exchange area on the first floor. It was an area filled with shops that sold novelty and gift items. To be consistent with the cost cutting initiatives in the family without taking away the opportunity to give gifts, I set out to find the best gift that my money can buy (did I mention I had very little?). I wanted something that was cheap but fun to a one year old boy. I also wished for something that would at least last a longer time than most toys these days.
I guess someone heard me because there was actually one stall that offered many bright, colorful wooden toys that made me think sturdy and durable. The mix of red, yellow, green and blue were colors I knew kids would appreciate. The one thing I was hesitant to ask was the price. The stuff they sold looked pricey to me. I did not want to spend Php500 bucks on a toy that would only take one hour for a kid to break.
The price was surprisingly cheap for the toys and I wanted to buy the whole lot including some for my own two boys. Because they were so cheap, I had to ask where they were made. The lady told me, the educational toys were made by the PWD of TWH. Wow! I was actually helping their livelihood by buying from their store and also making other kids happy.
Sigh. It was such a great feeling coming out of Market Market! carrying bags of wooden toys and other items. Now this is one shopping spree I did not regret.
Carpenter’s tool kit Php 260
Shape sorter Php 240
** Oh by the way, my two sons loved the toys so much I had to buy something else for the birthday boy.
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that’s hitting two birds with one stone.. it always feels good when we know we help..
analyse – It really does! Plus my kids are happy with their toys too.
It’s great a great feeling to know that you helped in simple ways.