A group of Filipinos used word of mouth and the power of social networking sites like Facebook to help flood victims back home. Many were surprised at how much people were willing to help those who were ravaged by two successive weather disturbances in the Philippines.

"You know people are helping. Even non-Filipinos are helping, donating stuff," said Katrina Torres.

"It started from a simple plan, before you know it we had flyers handing out to neighborhoods, Facebook advertising," said Jason Mojica.

The images of tragedy and cries for help in the Philippines touched many second-generation Fil-Ams.

"Someone posted it on Facebook and said there was a Washington DC effort going on here in Mclean. Actually, all this stuff we brought today is from work. I work at Visa, so I had a bunch of my-coworkers bring food, medicines and toiletries," said Christine Holder.

Philippine-American Foundation for Charities president Ador Carreon told Balitang America that they have raised $40,000 so far, and ready to ship 200 boxes of relief goods.

Meanwhile, an emotional White House Executive Chef Cris Comerford who received the Mama Sita Award for Culinary Excellence asked Fil-Ams to help.

"Just keep the Filipinos back home in your prayers and your thoughts because no matter how resilient and strong Filipinos are they still need our help back there, so it's kinda like to be there for them," Comerford said.

Lawyer Arnedo Valera said this is just the tip of iceberg. Many Fil-Ams are sending help directly to relatives and he wants to make it easier for them.

"Kung hindi mo padadaanin sa DSWD (Department of Social Work and Development) ang donations, tina-tax nila iyong mga donations na galing sa mga individuals or non-governmental organizations. This is a time of crisis, extraordinary circumstance ito na dapat paluwagin ng Philippine government at i-waive itong taxes on donations," said Valera.

Because everyone is getting involved, the effort is one of the biggest mobilizations in the Metro DC region. Due to the severe damage, Fil-Ams say they will keep helping kababayans back home till Christmas.