By Mae Lorraine Rafols Lorenzo Senior citizens, especially those whose lives have been devastated by years of poverty and neglect, have found comfort among the volunteers of Apo ng Luwalhati (ApoL), a special “group project” spearheaded by various professionals. (MANILA BULLETIN) ApoL was formed six years ago by Michelle Alejandro, Dr. Sheryll Villanueva, Dr. Charos Pascual, Kathrina Lacno, Jane Sunga and Khristine Gamboa, a diverse set of professionals who wanted to reach out and care for the some of the forgotten citizens of the city. They do their outreach at Luwalhati ng Maynila, an institution managed by the DSWD-Manila District, located at the Boy's Town Complex in Parang, Marikina. It provides shelter and rehabilitation to approximately 400 homeless elder citizens. Personal drive “ApoL is a personal initiative, and is not a formal or structured organization. It intends to promote volunteerism, by providing an opportunity for ordinary individuals and groups–friends, families, schoolmates, and workmates–to share and work together for a charitable cause. Our past projects have been participated by students, educators, medical practitioners, entrepreneurs, office workers and more,” Alejandro says. Their group started as a way of thanksgiving for the blessings the individual members have received. “But later on, we somehow began to realize, that there is actually more to just wanting to ‘give back’ or ‘pay forward.’ That we have a responsibility to fulfill, because we live not only for ourselves, but for others as well.” Holiday outreach For years, volunteers of ApoL has been conducting a special gift-giving event every Christmas for the old residents of Luwalhati ng Maynila. During these celebrations, the group organizes a special film showing, conducts grooming and wellness activities, goes caroling at bedridden quarters, and stages a Christmas program complete with food, performances, and gift-giving. ApoL believes that something as simple as their presence makes the elderly feel special and cared for. “Usually it is actually the simplest things that really creates much impact on them–like our warm smiles, a hand shake, simple pats on the back, chatting with them, and of course giving them warm hugs. These are also the things we make sure they get from us. Simple gestures like these somehow comfort them, and somehow give them a feeling of home and family. We may only do little about their living conditions, because of our own limitations, but the least we may do is to help them not totally lose sight of the beauty in life,” Alejandro concluded. To volunteer, visit ApoL’s Facebook page (facebook.com/ApoNgLuwalhati), send them a message to know the details.