Shared Mission in Action: The SM Store Iloilo Customers, Employees Share Toys in Western Visayas

Press Release

Shared Mission in Action: SM Store Iloilo customers, employees share toys in Western Visayas

February 28, 2022

Beyond providing the essential shopping needs and excellent customer service, The SM Store gives back to communities in partnership with its customers. Through its Share A Toy drive in 2021, the program collected more than 45,000 toys nationwide. Aside from donating toys, customers volunteer to provide support to reach more kids and communities. With The SM Store and its customers working together, it’s a shared mission in action.

Katya Delgado is a regular customer of The SM Store Iloilo’s Call To Deliver since 2020. The Call To Deliver team learned that Delgado is passionate about community service. When the team mentioned The SM Store’s community programs, she immediately inquired about how she could help and volunteer.

“The SM Store is committed to getting to know our customers well so we can best provide the service they need, including their passion and interests” said Fatima Lance, The SM Store Customer Service Regional Manager in Visayas and Mindanao. “We are so happy that The SM Store can be a platform for our customers like Ms. Delgado to give back to communities. This partnership has inspired more of our employees and customers to volunteer.”

Through this partnership, The SM Store Iloilo was able to reach remote areas and share joy with kids in Kati Kati Aeta community and Balcon Maravilla Elementary School in Jordan, Guimaras; Tina Hamtic Aeta community in Antique; San Luis Elementary School in Sara, Iloilo; Zaldivar Elementary School in Buenavista, Guimaras; Aningalan community in San Remegio, Antique; and St Paul’s Hospital in Iloilo.

“In some of the communities we went to, we had to go through long land and sea travels, pass by cliffs, and walk a considerable distance to reach remote areas. But the journey becomes worth it when we see the happiness in the eyes of the kids as they play with the toys we brought,” recalled Errol Asis, The SM Store personal shopper who assisted Delgado. “Immersing in communities and personally seeing their circumstances really change your mindset. It gives you more drive to give.”

After the first community visits, more employees and customers of The SM Store volunteered to join and donate. Antique Trail Runners, a group of outdoor enthusiasts, learned about Share A Toy and volunteered to partner with The SM Store. The group tapped their members, friends, and supporters to gather toys, prepare food packs, and distribute gifts to the kids and communities affected by Typhoon Odette in Hamtic, Antique.

“Volunteerism is alive among our customers and employees here. Their enthusiasm gives us more drive and determination to gather more donations and give back to communities,” Lance said. The SM Store Iloilo branch collected around 2,500 toys from customers and employees through Share A Toy in 2021. “We are honored to be a partner to our customers in their advocacies and mission to share their blessings.

About: The SM Store is the Philippines’ largest department store chain with several branches nationwide. Since our first store opened in 1958, The SM Store has been a long-time favorite one-stop-shop with the best product variety, shopping convenience, and value for money. We offer a great selection of menswear, womenswear, children’s wear, all kinds of beauty products, and things for the home. You can also find stationery, electronic gadgets, snacks, toys, hardware, and fun Philippine souvenirs here.