Philippines: How far can $1 go?

[billn.]

not to paint gold of my good deeds but I grew up in the Philippines as a child in manila back in the late 80s and early 90s. . We were poor, just like majority of the filipinos. My mother was a single mom with 3 kids to feed. At that time, having 3 kids was affordable - having this many children was not a burden made on purpose. Rice and fish was a mean staple. Although often times, rice sprinkled with sugar was a mostly what was eaten if fish was not affordable. Luckily we had family friends who had helped us and as a kid, hunger is barely a thought. You ate what you ate what was given to you and not realize that you got so skinny you can actually fit through a gated-barred fence. All my friends were skinny and they mostly came to my house for food. My best friend across the street was poorer than I was (he was a water cart pusher at the age of 5). My mom did not care I had friends over to eat. Day came when I Went to the US because of family relations. I wasn't rich and ate typical american meals. Years later, in my mid 20s, i went back to the Philippines to visit. I had $100 to spend. My first meal was a jollibee (it had been years). Then I bought my childhood favorite candies. My mom still had the old house but turned into an apartment complex - 5 stories high (she worked extremely hard for this). My best friend still lives across the street and he visited me. He now has a child and a wife and they were extremely poor. He inherited his fathers dwelling (it was a small dwelling, the same square footage of an american master bathroom). He invited me to his house and I noticed they barely had any rice and barely any milk powders for baby food. We chatted and talked about our lives. He envied where I grew up and i told him it was not all pretty and nice growing up - only the environment around me was beautiful but not how I grew up. We were hanging out outside just like old times. We talked about our childhood memories and im surprised he remembered it all. I was there for another week so the next day I took a motored tricycle and went to SM mart. SM mart told my drive that no tricycles are allowed. I told the lady, "mam, if you knew what I am going to do after shopping here, youd be happy as well, please allow the drive 20 minutes to park on the side, its my only ride". The property manager said ok and the guards ok'd this. I got a pile milk powder, dried noodles, heavy bags of rice, canned goods, fruits and vegetables, instant coffee and favorites 90s candies for my best friend.... Let me tell you, to this day, ive never felt so much gratitude and happiness of helping someone. I got to the register and my total was $45. My car was literally full.. i was confused. Got it all packed up and drove to my best friends house. Surprised him with all of these foods and stuff. He cried and said I didnt have to do this but he would gladly accept as they really need this. He cried for 20 minutes. To this day, that $45 was the best money ive spent. It was temporary provisions but that donation gave people hope. $20 of food in the PH goes a long way. Please donate.