Thanks to the generosity of its buyers and partners, The SM Store was able to collect over 130,000 books and 45,000 toys in 2021 through its DonateABook and ShareAToy programs. SM Store gave buyers a Php 100 discount coupon for each donated toy or book. Besides the books and toys, The SM Store also donated backpacks and school supplies.

The community programs were implemented in partnership with SM Foundation for children in public schools, orphanages, pediatric hospitals, health centers, Christian- and Muslim-run charitable institutions, non-government institutions, and Indigenous People communities. Each of the 68 branches of The SM Store identified two or more community beneficiaries for the donation drive. A list of beneficiaries can be found at www.thesmstore.com.

“We are grateful for the overwhelming support of our shoppers for our Donate-A-Book and Share-A-Toy. Our shoppers are looking for ways to give back, especially during challenging times, and we at The SM Store are happy to share this mission with them,” said Chelo Monasterio, President of The SM Store.

She added that last years’ programs were special because aside from the generous shoppers of The SM Store, academic institutions, private companies, and non-government organizations took part in the initiative and donated books and toys for the communities.

Schools, publications, and NGOs mobilized communities to share the joy of learning

For Donate-A-Book, the Coordinating Council of Private Educational Associations of the Philippines (COCOPEA); Philippine Association of Private Schools, Colleges and Universities (PAPSCU); and the Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines (CEAP) mobilized their members to donate quality books and reference materials that will help rebuild and enrich the collections of community and public school libraries.

Olivia Camatog, principal of De La Salle Zobel in Alabang, a member school of PAPSCU and COCOPEA, said the books they donated came from their library collection, some of which have multiple copies. Through this program with SM, Camatog expressed their happiness in giving a meaningful contribution rebuilding other schools’ libraries.

Publishing companies like Learning Is Fun WS Publication, one of the business partners of The SM Store Stationery, donated reference and activity books. Trailblazing Publishing from the PAPSCU network also shared brand new K to 12 books for public schools.

 The Philippine Commission on Women and the National Council of Women of the Philippines also shared books they gathered from partner NGOs. “Through the distribution network of The SM Store and their presence all over the country, we are happy to partner with them so that our book collection will reach more girls and boys in far flung communities,” said Sandy Montano, Chairwoman of the Philippine Commission on Women.

Donate-A-Book was implemented in select branches of The SM Store from August 15 to September 30, 2021. Books were donated to more than 100 public schools and community organizations.

Trade partners and private firms shared toys to make kids happy

The SM Store and the Toy Kingdom teamed up for Share-A-Toy from December 1 to 31, 2021 in all branches of The SM Store and Toy Kingdom nationwide.

HSBC Global Service Center Philippines adopted the Share-A-Toy program as part of its employee engagement activity. HSBC employees shared 4,000 new toys and educational materials.

The SM Store is currently rolling out the distribution of donations to the selected communities. The SM Store branches already distributed a portion of the donated toysto children from remote Aeta communities in Guimaras and Antique; Jalaud Elementary School in Iloilo; Bahay ni San Jose orphanage; Benguet General Hospital and Medical Center; Philippine General Hospital; Mary the Queen Parish in Quezon City; and San Mateo Elementary School and Guitnang Bayan Elementary School in Rizal.

This year, The SM Store launched its Share Your Extras donation campaign to benefit communities affected by Typhoon Odette. SM shoppers were encouraged to donate old and new clothing. Collections from Metro Manila and Luzon branches will be distributed to typhoon-affected areas in Visayas and Mindanao. Share Your Extras will be available from January 15 to February 15, 2021 for branches in Metro Manila and from February 1 to February 28 for branches in North and South Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. For each donation, buyers will receive a Php 100 discount coupon valid for their next purchase.