Another article... that caught my attention...
Some 200,000 used textbooks donated to needy children
By Hetty Musfirah, Channel NewsAsia Posted: 05 December 2009 1805 hrs
Source: http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/1022765/1/.html
This is the time of giving... not just 'food' or basic necessities (as talked about in the previous post)... but also learning materials for schooling children.
Indeed, this practice of giving/receiving old textbooks started for many years, since my schooling years. Basically, it's a means to help needy families who can't quite afford the cost of studying materials. We also notice that the cost of learning materials have increased tremendously. Someone shared the other day that she has to set aside almost $300 just for one child - just textbooks and stationery, minus school uniform, school bag, etc.
Indeed, to every child, the school reopen/open marks the beginning of a new year - everything's new! It's not only important to the child, but also important to the parents (and even grandparents) because they want the child to have a good start for the year. So, it's important for everyone! So, no matter, how humble a family is, the parent will try to get something new for the child - be it school shoes or school bag.
I still remember those good old days when I was still in Primary School, grandma would bring me to the shop (what we call the 洋货店) at Blk 6 Kempas Road to get me a new school bag - a canvas school bag. The giving out free textbook already started in those days. Recall once dad brought us to the location... we were really surprised so many people went to get the books - was just wondering... really? so many people needed help? so, perhaps we should leave the stuff to those really need to help, we thought. Since then, we did not return. Instead, every year, when possible, we'll set aside those books that were still usable to be given to the needy.
I must count ourselves really fortunate... and that's when we first learnt how to help the needy. First of all, if we could afford, do not deprive others from the opportunity and more in need. There's really no competition here. Next, if we could afford, something not significant to us might make a difference in others! Be it a simple thing, it could make one's day. So, it's not costly to help. Of course, to help, with sincerity. It's not a matter to show off or need to be remembered because it's truly from the bottome of our heart.
Of course, I'm not advocating to give freely, to anyone! We should make our discretion on who needs to be helped or who is capable of helping themselves yet not to take up their own responsibility...
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