TSL Foundation donates relief goods to Empty Vessel

TanHoldings chief executive officer Jerry Tan, left, and Tan Siu Lin Foundation executive director Merlie Tolentino, second from right, present $18,000 worth of donated relief goods to Empty Vessel Ministry officers led by its president, Rosalyn Ajoste, center, last Thursday in Gualo Rai. (CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)

The Tan Siu Lin Foundation has donated relief goods to Empty Vessel Ministry Foundation to help the organization serve more people needing assistance.

TanHoldings chief executive officer Jerry Tan and TSL Foundation executive director Merlie Tolentino turned over $18,000 worth of relief goods to EVMF president Rosalyn Ajoste at the ministry’s office in Gualo Rai last Thursday. The TSL Foundation, the charitable arm of TanHoldings, donated canned goods, cereals, milk, and packs of fruit juices.

“On behalf of the board and officers of Empty Vessel Ministries, I would like to thank Mr. Jerry Tan and Ms. Merlie Tolentino of the TSL Foundation for their timely and generous donation,” Ajoste said.

The donated items came just as EVMF is getting ready for tomorrow’s distribution of relief packages to families affected by the coronavirus pandemic. The TSL Foundation donation will help 500 families.

“Currently, EVMF has a waiting list of over 600 individuals, and the list grows everyday. The primary recipients will be workers and families who lost their jobs due to the pandemic, many of whom do not qualify for food stamp assistance,” Ajoste said.

With more people lining up to avail of EVMF’s food assistance, Empty Vessel moved their distribution area to the Garapan Central Park Roundhouse tomorrow via drive-thru.

“We serve people of all circumstances, ages, races, ethnicities, and religious backgrounds without question. Since February, EVMF has received hundreds of calls for food assistance. EVMF is happy to act as the community liaison, doing the repacking, and acting as the arms and feet on the ground to provide relief to those who need it the most. In most cases, we try not to turn anyone away, unless we run out of food,” Ajoste said.

The TSL Foundation praised EVMF for what it’s doing role, especially in this time of crisis. “The Empty Vessel Ministry has consistently provided food assistance to members of our community. They were there when we had two strong typhoons and now they are stepping up for families that are affected by this pandemic. Even on ordinary days, Empty Vessel keeps its door open to people in need. It take’s a lot of effort and commitment to be able to provide assistance to the community yearlong so we’re fortunate to have the Empty Vessel Ministry in the CNMI,” Tolentino said. “They are part of our very generous community and we, at the Tan Siu Lin Foundation is honored to help their program.”

EVMF acknowledged that they depend on community partnerships to carry out their mission of providing humanitarian aid to those who are most in need, so any help they could get from both the public and private sectors are welcome. “There is always a need for food. EVMF provides Emergency Food Services…all-year round,” Ajoste said.

To keep their operation going, EVMF encourages companies to donate either cash or food each quarter. Stores that have food items nearing their expiration date are requested to consider donating them to EVMF’s food bank, as the group has a database of individuals ready to accept them. EVMF is also encouraging the public to seek membership in the ministry. If it could find 50 new members who would commit $20 a month, these will be enough to take care of their operational costs.

For companies and individuals interested in helping EVMF, contact Ajoste at 285-9700, 235-2340, email emptyvesselministry@gmail.com, or leave a message at its Facebook page, Empty Vessel Ministry. (PR)