BTS ARMYs put up their own community pantries

BTS fans have also taken it upon themselves to help those in need during the COVID-19 pandemic by putting up their own community pantries. 

According to ARMY Cavite Fanbase’s Facebook post on Monday, the pantries are now up in Manuellaville Subdivision and in Windward Hills Subdivision.

“Knowing that all of us are in a time of financial instability during this pandemic, your donation is extra special to us,” said the group’s post.

“Let us continue lifting each other up, and make the world a better place,” it added.

Their photos showed the wide variety of items available for pickup, including rice, vegetables, canned goods, noodles, and fruits.

A purple tarpaulin placed on the table had a photo of the BTS members with the words: “We give free rice. Project by BTS ARMY.” ARMY is the fandom name of BTS.

According to the organizers, they were inspired by their idols, who had also been sharing their own blessings.

“Our goal as a fanbase is to help each other like how BTS taught us (through their actions),” co-organizer Shyra Mae Doroteo told GMA News Online. 

“This was the idea we came up with to help, give hope, and smiles to our fellow Filipinos because we know how hard it is for everyone to earn a living during this pandemic,” said ARMY Cavite Fanbase member Bie Rosales in Filipino.

Shyra said that while ARMY Cavite Fanbase set up the community pantry, the real “heroes” were the ARMYs who were “always willing to donate and help.”

She said the project was also sponsored by other Filipino ARMYs from South Korea, Denmark, and the United States.

The group encouraged interested parties to send monetary donations via GCash (09499422289) or PayPal (patrimonio.shyra@gmail.com).

Since the Maginhawa Community Pantry opened, similar efforts had been made all over the country to help those in need amid the ongoing COVID-19 threat.

On Monday, a community “paw-ntry” for pets was also set up in Quezon City. – Franchesca Viernes/RC, GMA News