Heartbeats and Yokota give back in a big way

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Lynsie Nichols
  • 374th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan --  The holiday season is a time for giving, and this year, there is a charity at Yokota Air Base that demonstrates just that.

The "Heartbeats Movement," a charity that falls under a Filipino organization called Gawad Kalinga, contributes to the rebuilding effort for schools destroyed by Typhoon Juan, back in October of this year.

Capt. Matthew Diamond, chief of rotary wing safety for the 374th Airlift Wing, is helping to set up collection points for the charity around the base.

"We're collecting anything that can be given to the teachers to help them teach their children in a more scholastic atmosphere," said Captain Diamond. "Donations include pens, pencils, paper, rulers, glue and dry erase boards."

Donation drop-off boxes will be set up now through December 18, with the main box being at the front entrance of the BX. Other locations will include the chapel and various squadrons.

"If all goes well, we are planning to make this a seasonal charity," said Captain Diamond. "Every 2-3 months, we will establish drop-off points to remind people that we are collecting again."

The "Heartbeats Movement" provides humanitarian effort to the Philippines.

"It's a way of saying we are here to help, we are an ally," said Captain Diamond. "It's a way of providing a helping hand to those in need when they can't provide for themselves."

The movement's slogan says, "Be a part of the movement. Be a part of building on a brighter future."

"Anybody can be a part of this movement," said Captain Diamond. "It doesn't matter if you donate one pencil or 5,000; it's the fact that you're putting forth the effort to help rebuild the community and the people around you."

Captain Diamond has a humble approach to this charity.

"I want to do something good for the world," he said. "For me to be a part of this is kind of inspiring, but at the same time, it's something that anybody can do."