Tzu Chi Philippines' Holiday Bake Sale: Cookies

Tzu Chi Philippines' Holiday Bake Sale: Cookies | Daily Tribune

With extra love.

That’s how Tzu Chi Great Love Preschool directress and volunteer Jane Sy described the cookies made at the third annual holiday bake sale of Tzu Chi Philippines (TCP).

Her description encapsulated a compassionate heart beating for those in need.

In the aromatic bakery of the Buddhist Tzu Chi Campus in Sta. Mesa, Manila, 17 preschoolers joined forces with their parents, five teachers, and three non-teaching staff on 6 December to bake cookies in four different flavors: chocolate chip, dark chocolate chip, classic oatmeal and chocolate chubster.

“It’s been a tradition that every holiday season, the families, the staff, together with the students and some volunteers, help bake something to raise funds so that we could help some less-fortunate people and kids,” Sy explained.

The event has evolved beautifully over the years, with preschoolers baking cupcakes in 2022, chocolate bars last year, and now cookies. Each time, they create goodies with extra effort, patience and dedication, aiming not just to satisfy sweet cravings but to alleviate the suffering of others.

Despite his young age, 4-year-old preschool student Bryce Theodore Cochan fully understands the compassionate purpose behind the baking activity.

“We baked cookies!” he exclaimed cheerfully according to a Facebook post of TCP. “To help people!” he added, his giggles reflecting both innocence and understanding.

Beyond supporting Tzu Chi’s charity programs, the activity provided a precious opportunity for parents to strengthen bonds with their children while experiencing the rewarding spirit of volunteerism.

Twenty-seven-year-old Miguel Lazaro, who works from Mondays to Saturdays, deliberately cleared his schedule to participate in the baking activity with his daughter, Lia Katherine, for the first time. He enrolled Lia in Tzu Chi Great Love Preschool Philippines hoping she would learn important values — to be respectful, independent and sociable.

“My daughter is very close with her teachers,” Lazaro said in the TCP Facebook page. “It doesn’t feel like a classroom but more like a family gathering, which I believe significantly contributes to her learning.”

Sy genuinely appreciated parents like him who made time during the busy Christmas season.

“We’re thrilled that parents have taken time from their hectic schedules,” she said. “We understand that during Christmas in the Philippines, everything is extra busy and traffic-laden. Yet, some parents took a leave from work just to participate in our activity today.”

For the parents, the experience was both fun and meaningful. As Lazaro succinctly put it, “One word: fun. And a great way to spend time with my daughter.”

Orders for the P450-per-box cookies are still being accepted. Those seeking unique gift items while supporting a noble cause can contact Jely at 0969-472-4048 for orders.