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Community Corner

Typhoon Haiyan: Simsbury Schools and Scouts Respond

Typhoon Haiyan slammed into the Central portion of the Philippines, leaving a trail of destruction.  Upon receiving news that major cities were flattened by this calamity, the Gatmaitan household of Simsbury, Connecticut caucused to see how they can help the Typhoon survivors despite being thousands of miles away.  In 2008 the Gatmaitan family visited Bohol, one of the major cities damaged by the typhoon to appreciate the world known “Chocolate Hills” and to study an almost extinct and one of the smallest primates called  “tarsier”. Bohol is a sanctuary for the tarsiers.  Their personal connection with fellow Filipinos and deep appreciation for the land compelled them to organize a relief effort in their own community. 
Jacob Gatmaitan, a senior at Simsbury High School, and a Senior Scout at Boy Scout Troop 174 of Simsbury, explained the magnitude of this typhoon and the need for donations to his fellow scouts in their Troop meeting. The boys responded with enthusiasm, collecting about 65 lbs of canned goods and toiletries!  Joachim Gatmaitan and Jared Gatmaitan,  sixth and second graders respectively organized a collection of non-perishable items and personal hygiene products at Tootin Hills Elementary School during the week of November 11.  The school staff, faculty, students and parents filled three large boxes of donations. On November 9th, donations were dropped off at Our lady of Mount Carmel in Hamden, CT for a collection sponsored by the Philippine-American Association of Connecticut Inc. 
Regina Gatmaitan, mother and 5th grade elementary school teacher at Roberson School in Manchester, CT, collected a significant amount of money from her school by organizing a dress down day and a special hat day for students and staff.  Proceeds will go to the Philippine Red Cross.

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