More than 70 San Joseño kids benefited the ChriSMiles program of SM City San Jose del Monte and spent quality time with employee volunteers.

Headed by the Human Resources department, ‘ChriSMiles’ is an annual project under the Employee Volunteerism Program of SM Supermalls, wherein it encourages employees to find deeper meaning of Christmas by sharing and spending time with the underprivileged sector of the society.

This year, students with special needs from San Jose del Monte Central School together with some underprivileged kids in Brgy. Poblacion, spent a quick but priceless moments with SM volunteers as they play, sing, dance and eat free breakfast together.

Mall Manager Mr. Jose Mari Emmanuel Correa expressed his gratitude towards the community by leading the distribution of gifts and foods. “It is somehow a refreshment for us to do this kind of volunteerism, to go out of our offices and reach out to the people. Because this is the spirit of Christmas, to share love and joy, it makes both the giver and the receiver feel special” he said.

Moreover, Ms. Dana Isabel Agustin, a regular volunteer of the program said that joining this kind of activity inspires her to become better every year. “Spending time with kids like them is priceless. Waking up very early in the morning to be here is nothing compared to the blessings we receive each day, and it is just so right to share some of it with them” she said.

Also part of the activity was the distribution of ‘Bears of Joy’ a program of SM Cares that encourages the idea of gift giving by purchasing a simple bear from Toy Kingdom that is worth 200 pesos, wherein one bear can be kept as your remembrance for your kind act and the other one will be donated to the less fortunate kids. Selling and donating of ‘Bears of Joy is until December 25.

This ChriSMiles project as well as the distribution of donated ‘Bears of Joy’ by the generous shoppers are being implemented simultaneously in all SM Supermalls during this time of the year where love and sharing are most felt.