A Kilo/s Kyusi Booth at the POP QC Mercadillo, Elevated Garden, Quezon Memorial Circle. (Contributed photo)

In the City of Stars Quezon City, a remarkable initiative thrives where secondhand items such as clothes, bags, shoes and other accessories are sold at a cheap price and the proceeds are put to good use.

The “Kilo/s Kyusi Store: Kilo Store ng Bayan, Tulong para sa Kinabukasan" is a donations-in-kind program by the city government to help young residents help themselves. Beyond a simple donation spot, it embodies unity and resilience for the city’s youth. 

Led by the Quezon City Small Business and Cooperatives Development Promotions Office (QC SBCDPO) this year, this project echoes “bayanihan,” calling on everyone to support the fight against illiteracy.

At its core, the Kilo/s Kyusi Store embodies the spirit of communal aid, inviting residents and businesses alike to contribute used items that can make a significant impact on the lives of learners through the city’s various learning recovery programs. The essence lies in its simplicity: donate a kilo or more of used items, and in return, receive a sense of fulfillment that transcends the mere act of giving.

The items accepted at Kilo/s Kyusi Store are simple yet indispensable. Donors are encouraged to contribute the following, provided that the items are in good condition, and may still be used by the customers. 

- pre-loved clothing, shoes, accessories & bags

- used toys

- books

- used furniture

These items, often taken for granted, hold the power to alleviate illiteracy among youth in the city both in comprehension and numeration.

Proceeds from Kilo/s Kyusi are being allocated to the QC Learning Recovery Fund to finance projects such as tutoring programs in public schools in response to learning loss.

In 2023, there were at least 137 tutors who helped and benefited from this initiative who were able to help 1,272 QC public school students in 25 schools. Each learner was given 50 hours of tutoring within the 25 sessions.

Amidst the challenges that the learners face post pandemic, Kilo/s Kyusi Store stands tall as a beacon of hope and community strength. It's not just a place for transactions; it's a space where stories are shared, where smiles are exchanged, and where the true essence of humanity shines through.

This initiative goes beyond charity—it's about empowering communities to stand on their own feet and be knowledgeable. Kilo/s Kyusi Store stands as a testament to the power of unity, reminding us all that, indeed, no act of kindness is ever too small.

How and where to donate?

Those who are interested in donating your pre-loved items may contact SBCDPO at 8988-4242 locals 8731 / 8731 / 8736. 

They can also send an email education@quezoncity.gov.ph to learn more about the Quezon City Learning Recovery Fund.

Interested individuals and groups can also drop-off their donations at the following places:

SBCDPO OFFICE

6F West Wing, High Rise Building, Quezon City Hall

District 1 Action Office

176 San Antonio Extension, Katipunan Park, Barangay Katipunan

District 2 Action Office

Commonwealth Barangay Hall, 28 Commonwealth Ave. cor Katuparan St., Barangay Commonwealth

District 3 Action Office

25 Calderon St., Barangay Marilag

District 4 Action Office

65 Scout Reyes St., Barangay Paligsahan

District 5 Action Office

Novaliches District Center, Jordan Plains, Barangay Sta. Monica

District 6 Action Office

Culiat Multi-Purpose Building, Cenacle Drive, Sanville Subdivision, Barangay Culiat

The said locations are open Mondays to Fridays, 8 am to 5 pm.

The success of the Kilo/s Kyusi Store shows how a small idea, driven by care and unity, can become a powerful force for good. In QC, hope isn't just a far-off idea—it's something real, thanks to the generosity of its people and their strong spirit of helping each other. (AVS/PIA-NCR)