The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints donated 500 newborn kits to two hospitals in Manila, Philippines, on December 17 and 18, 2025, providing essential supplies for newborns, mothers, and their families as part of the Church’s global Light the World campaign.
A Labor of Love
The initiative was spearheaded by Elder George Kenneth Lee, Area Seventy and plant manager of Beehive Clothing Philippines. More than 40 sewing operators from the facility volunteered their time after work hours to hand-sew items including infant caps, mittens, clothes, pajamas, booties, and blankets.
“We thought that this coming Christmas, we would always celebrate Christmas with very happy moments, but we felt that maybe we could extend those happy moments to people who need these items,” Elder Lee shared.
Additional funding for the kits was secured through the Church’s humanitarian department, made possible by donations from members worldwide, with coordination from Elder and Sister Webb, humanitarian missionaries.
The kits also included essential medical and hygiene supplies, such as diapers, milk bags, alcohol, and feeding tubes, based on needs assessments conducted at both hospitals.
Bringing Hope to Mothers
Church representatives and medical staff personally delivered the kits to mothers in the newborn service wards during turnover ceremonies.
Gabriely Sampang, a recipient, expressed her gratitude, stating, “We are so happy because instead of having to buy these things, they were provided for us. They even customized the clothes according to the gender of our baby. This kit is very helpful because it has everything we need.”
Dr. Kiara Natalie Roble, a fellow-in-training at the Philippine Children’s Medical Center Neonatology Division, emphasized the impact of the donations. “Any little donation is a big help. We care for the sickest babies, and treatment is not cheap. A little donation goes a long way for these mothers,” she noted.
Dr. Mary Christine Tumale, chief neonatologist at Dr. Jose Fabella Memorial Hospital, thanked the Church for the donation, noting its alignment with the hospital’s mission to provide competent and compassionate care.
Turnover at Dr. Jose Fabella Memorial Hospital
The donation was formally received at Dr. Jose Fabella Memorial Hospital by medical professionals led by Dr. Salvador B. Evardone, medical center chief, along with Dr. Melissa Juico, Dr. Estrella J. Olonan-Jusi, Ma. Nancy Guia, Lourdes Mendoza, and Alma Mina Enrile.
Serving All of God’s Children
Elder Webb reflected on the purpose of the donation, stating, “It’s about giving people hope. We want these mothers to know that we represent the Church and our Savior.”
Sister Webb added, “We don’t do things just for Church members. We do things for Heavenly Father’s children. The Church helps everyone. It doesn’t matter who they are, we are helping everybody.”
The effort is part of a global initiative by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to improve the health and development of children under five and their mothers, focusing on nutrition, immunizations, and maternal and newborn care.
Discover more from Archyworldys
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
