LITTLE ACTS, LASTING IMPACT: SM STORE'S SEASON OF CARING

In many public schools across the country, the school day begins not with the clatter of chairs or the roll call of names, but with something far more universal: hope.

- By CHECHE V. MORAL

SM Store volunteers come together to share care kits and shoes, turning simple acts of kindness into life-changing moments for children. Through their dedication, every box delivered is more than a gift -- it's a symbol of hope, comfort, and the promise of a brighter future. A new pair of shoes is more than just footwear -- it's a turning point. For many children, it means walking to school with confidence, attending classes without discomfort, and embracing opportunities that once felt out of reach.

Hope that the day will be kind. Hope that the weather will be steady. Hope that health — and shoes sturdy enough to get through muddy roads — will hold up long enough until the next bell rings.

These past couple of months, while communities were still reeling from typhoons and influenza outbreaks, SM Store quietly packed that hope into 13,500 small blue bags and sent them to classrooms nationwide. These care kits — filled with tissue, paracetamol, alcohol and soap — may seem simple, but in many homes, they are exactly what families struggle to keep in stock during crisis season.