The Best Gifts Aren’t Always Tangible

My Dream in a Shoebox (MDIAS), which started as an alternative to a traditional Christmas party, has grown into a powerful initiative that has made a meaningful impact on underprivileged children’s education for 16 years. MDIAS has worked to deliver hope and support to children facing these hardships addressing the significant educational challenges in the Philippines, where 15.5% of Filipinos live in poverty. With 91% of 10-year-olds unable to read simple text due to learning poverty, MDIAS continues to empower children, offering them the tools they need to dream bigger and overcome the barriers to education.

During this season of giving, we reflect on the incredible journey of growth and impact of MDIAS. From an expanding network of donors and partners to the powerful stories of hope and success from the children it has touched, MDIAS continues to make a lasting difference. Over the years, the initiative has not only increased its donations but also built stronger communities and fostered meaningful connections.

Humble Beginnings

MDIAS is a homegrown corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative by TeamAsia, a leading integrated marketing communications agency. TeamAsia founders Mike and Monette Hamlin  Information Technology and Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP) Board member and Philippine Software Industry Association President, Jonathan De Luzuriaga conceptualized MDIAS in 2009. The campaign was inspired by 2009 CNN Hero of the Year Efren Peñaflorida’s Kariton Klasrum. The partnership focused on starting the support with Peñaflorida’s community in Cavite, The Dynamic Company, beginning with 200 shoeboxes filled with school supplies. These gifts were given to children as inspiration to dream big and achieve their potential. 

Building on a successful launch, MDIAS gained significant momentum, with increasing support from partners committed to positively impacting children’s lives. In its second year, the campaign collected 3,450 shoeboxes and mobilized 363 dedicated volunteers. With ambitious goals in mind, the initiative expanded its reach, benefiting 14 communities across Metro Manila. 

Journey of Hope and Dreams

In 2011, MDIAS expanded nationwide, making #BiggerDreams a reality for 21 beneficiaries across the Philippines. Thanks to the support of our partners, MDIAS collected over 7,800 shoeboxes, 200 computers, and more than ₱2.1 million in cash donations, highlighting the power of collaboration in CSR. In 2012, we touched the lives of over 12,000 children across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, delivering essential school supplies and spreading Christmas cheer with Mike and Monette Hamlin as Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus.

In 2013, we raised over ₱34 million for disaster relief in Eastern and Central Visayas, while providing more than 13,000 shoeboxes filled with school supplies to children in need. The following year, we surpassed the original target of 15,000 shoeboxes and collected 28,000 shoeboxes filled with school supplies. Thanks to the generosity of donors and partners, we continue to empower communities and transform the lives of underprivileged children in the Philippines.

During MDIAS’s 10th year, we have evolved from a holiday volunteerism initiative into a year-round campaign that engages a diverse network of partners to help expand its mission. We launched a major initiative to seek sponsors for 10 underprivileged children from 10 remote communities in the Philippines, where access to educational tools and facilities is limited. The campaign not only surpassed its goal of collecting 75,000 shoebox donations but also provided sponsorships for over 300 children, ensuring they received the support they needed to succeed.

In its 12th year, MDIAS successfully navigated the challenges of the pandemic, equipping over 13,829 children with school supplies and providing scholarship assistance to 115 dream scholars, thanks to the support of corporate partners and volunteers. By its 15th year, the campaign reached new milestones, distributing 6,966 dream kits, supporting 107 scholars, and establishing an educational hub. These achievements underscore the growing impact of MDIAS, empowering children across the Philippines with the tools and opportunities needed to pursue their dreams.

Over the years, individuals, corporations, and foundations such as the Yellow Boat of Hope Foundation Philippines and Payatas Orione Foundation have embraced MDIAS’s vision of empowering children to dream big and take tangible steps toward achieving those dreams. Education-focused organizations like Museo Pambata and Magis Creative Spaces have joined forces with MDIAS, offering activities designed to inspire and stretch the imagination of these young dreamers. Through these collaborative efforts, MDIAS continues to make a meaningful impact on the lives of children across the Philippines.

Become a Dream Builder, Too

For the past 16 years, MDIAS has been empowering underprivileged Filipino children, providing them with the tools they need to chase their dreams. We have equipped over 420,000 children with dream kits, E-hubs, and scholarships to help them overcome challenges like poverty, which often hinder their educational journey. These intangible gifts that MDIAS gives out to Filipino children: their futures, hopes, and dreams. 

Our mission is simple yet powerful: to empower these children through education and give them the support they need to pursue a better tomorrow. Through fundraising and outreach programs, we are committed to providing resources that enable children in various communities to continue their education and reach their full potential. Being a dream builder does not only entail being a helping hand but a beacon of hope to these children and a source of happiness and inspiration where we can lead them to a brighter future.

We are driven by the belief that every child deserves a chance to dream big. You, too, can become a dream builder with MDIAS. By working together to create a brighter reality for the next generation of learners in the Philippines. We remain steadfast in our dedication to making bigger dreams a reality for Filipino children, one dream kit at a time.

How Can You Support MDIAS?

Supporting MDIAS can take various forms, each contributing to meaningful impact:

1. Donate Dream Kits that contain school supplies, tools, and resources vital for a student’s educational journey. These kits ensure that every child has the essentials they need to thrive in school.
2. Donate to fund Educational Hubs that are equipped with reliable laptops, internet access, and printing facilities, providing students with the technological resources necessary for effective learning.
3. Sponsor a Scholar’s Education for an entire year, giving them a solid foundation for academic achievement and a brighter future.

By supporting educational advocacy campaigns like MDIAS, you empower the future generation to become the best people they can be. Education provides individuals with the tools and knowledge to build a better future. You can help equip future generations with the skills to succeed, make informed decisions, and contribute positively to society. You can break the cycle of poverty and provide access to quality education. For underprivileged communities, educational initiatives open up opportunities for individuals to pursue better careers, improve their living conditions, and elevate their standard of living. This contributes to broader economic growth and social mobility.

Remember that your support goes beyond the classroom—it turns dreams into reality and helps create a more equitable society where every child has the chance to succeed. Let’s shape a brighter future by empowering young Filipinos to be prepared, inspired, and included.
Let’s come together and make education accessible to everyone. Supporting initiatives like MDIAS can profoundly impact students, providing them with the resources and opportunities they need to continue their learning journey. Every contribution helps young learners take steps toward a brighter future, one lesson at a time. Join us today and make a difference by pledging your support at https://shoeboxcampaign.teamasia.com/.