More Than A Goodie Bag
JAKARTA, 24 SEPTEMBER 2026
by: Jonathan Elbert Chandra
Long before the first donor arrived at Central Park Mall 2 for the 13th Lions Blood Heroes Blood Donation Activity on September 25–26, more than 1,400 goodie bags had already been prepared. What appeared to be a simple logistical task carried a much deeper message of inclusion and community service.
The goodie bags were prepared with the participation of children with intellectual disabilities, giving them an opportunity not only to receive support, but to contribute meaningfully to others. With guidance from their families, the children took part in sorting, packing, arranging, and completing the bags—knowing that their work would eventually reach people who had chosen to donate blood.
This initiative challenged the common tendency to focus on what people with intellectual disabilities cannot do. Instead, the activity asked a more important question: How can they participate? Their contribution did not have to look like everyone else’s; it simply needed to have a meaningful place within the larger humanitarian effort.
The preparation also highlighted the dedication of their families, who provide continuous encouragement, guidance, patience, and support. Their role demonstrates that meaningful support is not always about doing everything for someone, but about creating opportunities for them to accomplish something for others.
This experience mirrors the spirit of blood donation itself: giving something of ourselves to help another person. Each of the more than 1,400 bags represented not only a completed task, but a pair of hands that had been given an opportunity to serve.
Ultimately, this reminds us that true inclusion goes beyond sympathy or simply inviting people to participate. It means creating meaningful opportunities for everyone to contribute according to their abilities, while recognizing their value and dignity. At Central Park Mall 2, the goodie bags became more than gifts for donors—they became symbols of participation, family dedication, and a community where everyone has a place to serve.
This activity is also reported and published in the following local media:
– https://theeditor.id/inclusion-humanitarian-work-lions-blood-heroes/
– https://www.sinarharapan.net/lebih-dari-sekadar-goodie-bag-ketika-setiap-tangan-diberi-kesempatan-untuk-berkontribusi/
– https://www.sinarharapan.net/e-paper/#flipbook-df_63877/5/
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