Love is all over the place with people giving gifts and spreading cheer through carols sung on doorsteps and through wedding songs played on different venues in celebrating the couples’ union.

As the cool weather completes the atmosphere of love, perhaps it is also time to consider giving warmth to those who need it the most. Hit two birds with one stone by purchasing your wedding favors from Children’s Joy Foundation Inc., and Tahanang Walang Hagdanan Inc. and add significance to your wedding. This Christmas season, having your guests take home a piece of your love and the love of those who made it can make your souvenirs extra special. There is nothing to lose and everything to gain in a priceless experience offered by supporting their outstanding craftsmanship and making it a part of the most memorable day of your lives.

Children’s Joy Foundation, Inc.

Organized in June 1998, the Children’s Joy Foundation Inc. (CJF) is a non-pr7ofit, non-government institution aimed at helping children in less fortunate and exceptionally difficult circumstances. As part of CJF’s skills training program for the children, the foundation offers exquisite giveaway items. From jewelry cases and bags to gift boxes and lanterns-you name it, they probably have it.

Gift items are carefully handcrafted by their resident children using an assortment of materials such as abaca, sinamay, and even paper mache. While a wide variety of styles and designs are readily available, the CJF also welcomes suggestions and special order requests for items that have not yet been produced. And because all proceeds from sales go directly to funding the children’s educational and basic needs, CJF is an ideal place for couples not only searching for that perfect giveaway but also looking to give something back to the community.

Costs for individual souvenir items range from Php 20 to Php 100, depending on the materials used and quantities ordered. Discounts for bulk orders also apply.

In addition to souvenir items, the Chidren’s Joy Foundation Inc. also features a Rondalla Group of children from a variety of ages, all of whom are trained and experienced in performing at public engagements such as parties and church and wedding receptions. The group’s repertoire ranges from Filipino folk songs to classical pieces to traditional love ballads. As an added bonus, you can even request to have a new song or two played at your wedding provided, of course, that you book them early enough. You can expect the group’s rates to vary according to the number of hours and pieces requested.

The Children’s Joy Foundation Inc. is located at #6 Brown Swiss Street, Project 8, Quezon City

Email: cjfmanila@yahoo.com

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Tahanang Walang Hagdanan, Inc.

Tahanang Walang Hagdanan, Inc. (TWH; literally, "Home With No Steps") was established over thirty years ago with the aim providing the disabled with a refuge to help them prepare for integration into the mainstream of society. One of its core objectives is to equip persons with disabilities with useful skills and knowledge through education and training programs. Today, there are more than 22 affiliate homes for TWH in the country with close to 20 programs and services. Among these is the production of a variety of products and gift items by disabled members of the community.

While corporate giveaways and subcontract arrangements fro export garments and other items comprise the bulk of TWH’s services, discriminating shoppers will delight in uncovering the many hidden secrets of other items also produced by TWH which are perfect for wedding affairs. There are, for example, exquisite place holders made from molded wire, which are perfect for indicating seating arrangements at every table. For wedding giveaways, couples can choose from a wide variety of items such as exquisite miniature wood carvings, bookmarks, fans, gift bags and paper boxes made from handmade paper which can also, incidentally, be used to match the invitations you send. Even wedding guests would be hard-pressed not to find something as a gift for the bride and groom; TWH also offers a variety of furniture and household items from lampshades, baskets, and hampers, to kitchenware and cabinets ideal as presents for couples starting out.

And because many of their members are also talented artists, couples looking to send distinctive invitations and thank you cards can also request the personalization of a particular design to be illustrated for their wedding in traditionally handmade paper. Just be sure to hand in orders at least a month before the wedding to give the artists adequate time to prepare.

Orders can be given directly to TWH personnel at their headquarters in Cainta, Rizal. Couples cal also drop by Stall #73 at the Gift Market section of the Market! Market! Mall in Fort Bonifacio for a quick browse through TWH’s Gift selection.

Tahanang Walang Hagdanan, Inc. is located at #175 Aida St. Marick Subd. cainta, Rizal.

Email: mktg_twh@tahanangwalanghagdanan.com.ph

Website: http://www.tahanangwalanghagdanan.com