Working hand in hand for Klong Toey
With UNICEF, volunteers and celebrities pack emergency supplies for families affected by COVID-19
For a week in mid-May, UNICEF’s office transformed into an emergency supply packing station. Every day, 15 volunteers from the I Am UNICEF volunteer programme gathered at our quarters to help pack a total of 22,000 hygiene and learning kits from UNICEF. These sets of soaps, hand sanitizers and face masks, as well as books, toys and learning materials, were quickly distributed to keep young children healthy and learning amid the COVID-19 outbreak in Klong Toey’s densely populated, low-income community.
“We must not let the COVID-19 outbreak disrupt young children’s learning and development,” said UNICEF Thailand Representative Kyungsun Kim. “We are very grateful and moved by the efforts of 38 I Am UNICEF volunteers, eight student members of UNICEF Clubs, five UNICEF fundraisers as well as two celebrities, UNICEF staff and their children to help families hit hard by the outbreak in Klong Toey. Their efforts ensured that these critical supplies from UNICEF reached young children quickly in their time of great need.”
Volunteers were recruited to work in shifts, yet first-time volunteer Penny, as well as Bell and Sunee who regularly volunteer for a number of causes, came back day after day.
“This was my first time volunteering,” said volunteer Penny. “When I was tired, I would remind myself that there were people who needed these hygiene kits. It's a very rewarding activity because it allows me to help others. I invite everyone to participate in a volunteer activity, just give it a shot!”
“This is my first time volunteering with UNICEF too,” added Bell. “I had a great time and made a lot of good friends. If you would like to make new friends, try volunteer work!”
The volunteers were given a helping hand by our Representative and celebrities R-tui Puttachat and Tod Pranapong.
“I brought my strength and power to volunteer with I Am UNICEF and help others. I am happy to be part of this and, most importantly, everyone can be part of I Am UNICEF too!” said R-tui.
“I want everyone to take care of their mental health. Having a big heart will help bring back good things to our lives.”
“I am so happy to be a volunteer and to help pack supplies for children affected by COVID-19. I am excited that we can at least do something small to help out, show our support and send these supplies to them,” said Tod.
“I want everyone to be aware of how to protect yourself, wear your face mask, wash your hands and maintain physical distancing.”
With Klong Toey home to some 100,000 people living in crowded conditions with limited access to hygiene and other critical supplies, UNICEF with partners and volunteers continues its COVID-19 response to reach families in need.
