MANILA : There are stores in the Philippines where the less fortunate can go to get their Christmas shopping done.
These charity stores sell off donated items cheaply, so that everyone can afford to buy a present during this season of giving.
Christmas shopping has been made more affordable through the Catholic Church's "Charity Store".
It sells items such as shoes for US$2 or T-shirts and blouses for only US$1.
Filipinos prepare for Christmas by giving their homes a thorough cleaning. So instead of just throwing their things away, the Catholic Church is encouraging Filipinos to donate their old stuff for others to benefit from.
One Charity Store shopper said: "This Christmas, I am trying to buy gifts for all my loved ones even though I do not have much, because I know I can make them happy, even with a small gift."
Some even use the charity shop to make a little money for themselves, but it is all in line with the church's philosophy of helping people, help themselves.
Another Charity Store shopper said: "We resell the items to our neighbours and friends. We only add a little to the original amount as we also would like to help them."
Fr. Anton Pascual, executive director of Caritas Manila, said: "We believe in helping the poor, help themselves...We always challenge the poor to help themselves."
Profits from the charity stores will go towards fund scholarship programmes, and feed malnourished children in poor urban communities.
The Catholic Church was able to collect US$200,000 last year.
