A Church-run orphanage and hospice in Manila appealed for donations to stay afloat after Covid-19 infected several of its residents and personnel.

The Hospicio de San Jose is asking for financial and food aid after Covid-19 cases in the facility rose to 81, with the youngest at three years old.

The country’s first foster care institution said at least two of its residents have severe cases and were admitted to a hospital.

Rose Ann Baño, a student volunteer, said the institution particularly needs financial aid to pay for the medicines and other medical expenses by those who contracted the virus.

Also needed are food such as rice and vegetables as the institution feeds at least 450 people including abandoned children and elderly.

“We were in lockdown last April but we were able to recover from the Covid-19. However, since last week, there have been Covid-19 positive cases again,” Baño said.

“As of now, the total is 81 cases of which two, a staff and a volunteer, are in the hospital. One of them is confined at the San Juan de Dios Hospital,” she said.

Established in 1810, the historic facility is run by the Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul.

For those who wish to donate, they can deposit at BPI M. H. Del Pilar branch account number 8103-0986-62 or Metrobank UN Avenue branch account number 175-3-17550678-1.

Hospicio de San Jose may also be contacted through their telephone number: 8734-2366 or check their official website.