In early November, Typhoon Haiyan ripped through the Philippines, killing over 2,000 and displacing over 580,000 people. This natural disaster was the deadliest the Filipino people had ever witnessed in history. It was one of the most powerful typhoons ever recorded. Its aftermath was even more horrifying. People were begging for aid, desperate for water, food, and other necessities. According to the Philippine government, more than 2 million people all over the Philippines need food aid.

To support this cause, freshmen Isabella Ampil and Lisha Rabaje took the initiative and fundraised money by holding a bake sale on November 25, in the Grille Room and the Middle School Art Room. All of the proceeds made from the bake sale will directly go to UNICEF. For Isabella and Lisha, this is much more than just a bake sale. “I’m grateful to have an opportunity like this to support the victims of the typhoon, especially since I’m from the Philippines,” Isabella said.

At the bake sale, the tables were crowded with people, trying to get different kind of pastries. There were cupcakes, cookies, brownies, cake pops, donuts, and even some Philippine pastries brought in by Isabella and Lisha themselves. “It’s really a group effort,” said Isabella. All the bake sale items sold were all donated by Hackley students. An extremely popular item was the “Support the Victims of Typhoon Haiyan” wristbands. Each wristband was sold for two dollars and will be handed out to the people who bought them by homeroom, either on November 26th, or December 2nd.

All in all, from individual donations and baked goods Hackley raised about $2,000. “It was a huge success!” Lisha exclaimed.

Yet, even now, many people are struggling. People are dying everyday to starvation, competition of looting, polluted water, lack of medical supplies, heat, and clothing. To be more involved in supporting the victims of Typhoon Haiyan, you can help:

– UNICEF staff members in the Philippines are providing emergency relief aid to children and their families affected by the typhoon. Donations can be made online or by texting RELIEF to 864233 to donate $10.

– CARE teams are in the Philippines and the organization is providing emergency relief to thousands of families. Donations can be made online or by calling 1-800-521-CARE within the U.S. or +1-404-681-2552.

– The American Red Cross has volunteers spread throughout the Philippines and accepts donations online. You can also mail a check to your local American Red Cross chapter designating Philippines Typhoons and Flood in the memo line. 

– The U.N. World Food Programme is asking Americans to make donations to support its emergency food relief to the victims of Typhoon Haiyan. You can donate by going online or by texting the word AID to 27722 to donate $10.

Other organizations supporting the victims of typhoon Haiyan can be found here: CharityNavigator.org

Update 11/29/13: The bake sale tallied $2500.45!