Transgender woman entrepreneur, racer, vlogger and environmentalist Angie Mead King has been supporting Looking for Juan, an online store (www.lookingforjuan.com) that sells beautifully illustrated story books and activity books for children that tackle climate change, data privacy, fake news, and human rights, among other topics, as well as other gift items.
Leafing through the pages of the books, she was very impressed and wanted more of these books to get to more children.
"I wanted to donate to spread the message of Looking for Juan's books. Sadly, I don't think parents and teachers are educated enough to explain these things to children. The books clearly describe things that kids should know early on. Books are important because they help shape minds and thoughts. I still love reading a good book in this digital age because it just more satisfying than reading a web page," King said.
Aside from books, Looking for Juan has gift items such as tote bags, magnets, notebooks, and journals. Custom corporate giveaways can be especially designed to include the company's brand message and logo. Every item on their virtual shelf celebrates Filipino creativity, each one features works of some of the best local visual artists. On their roster are Elmer Borlongan, Ben Cabrera, Beth Parrocha, Marcel Antonio, Jaime Pacena II, Kevin Roque, Mark Jeffrey Santos, Jomike Tejido and a lot more.
Shopping from Looking for Juan enables individuals and companies to effortlessly contribute to the future of the next generation through its "Buy 1, Donate Books to Juan" program. Every purchase from the e-store is matched with book donations to children living in disadvantaged communities who do not have the resources to access good quality books. According to the National Statistics Authority, around four million Filipinos can't read, and of those who can, 11 million do not understand what they are reading. This is one of the root causes of economic and societal problems in the country.
The book donations are coursed through non-profit organization CANVAS' (Center for Art, New Ventures and Sustainable Development) "One Million Books for One Million Filipino Children" campaign and book giving events initiated by Looking for Juan or its corporate partners in their chosen communities.
King earmarked a budget for shopping at the website. Her purchases were matched by Looking for Juan so the number of books sent to the beneficiaries tripled. Recipients were kindergarten and Grade 6 students of East Central School and participants of San Miguel National High School's "Reading on Wheels" program held in the communities in the barangays of Mandaragat and San Miguel.
Similarly, United States-based Bianca Altavas shopped from the website specifically to donate to her kababayans in Roxas City, Capiz.
"Covid-19 has affected our children's education, so I wanted to help bolster learning even inside the home with quality books that children can read independently or with their parents," Bianca explained.
Because of the e-store's "Buy 1, Donate Books to Juan" program, Bianca's purchase of 200 books ballooned to 600 which were distributed to 47 daycare centers in her hometown.
"Every Filipino can help the next generation just through a simple purchase and Looking for Juan can be a mission partner in making this happen," says Looking for Juan chief executive officer, Larissa Chavez.
To participate in their advocacy of raising a generation of readers, all one has to do is shop at www.lookingforjuan.com. They are also open to project partnerships. For more information, contact store@lookingforjuan.com. For updates, follow @lookingforjuan on Instagram and Facebook.
