Sisters Donate $1,730 for Borneo’s Less Fortunate

While most kids might ask for a new toy and a party for their birthday, 8-year-old Hannah and 6-year-old Shemariah Tohdjojo just want to give to the less fortunate. That’s why last month, when it came time for Shemaria to celebrate her sixth birthday, she decided to ask her friends and family to donate to the people of Borneo, where her father, Abraham “Gato” Isprasetyo, is traveling this month. She raised a total of $1,730, which will go toward the construction of water containers to collect fresh rain water, and the donation of solar panels for electricity. Though young, the girls have a history of giving back to the less fortunate, a value instilled in them by their parents, father Gato and mother Dannielle Ivey. Both now and in the past, the girls have served meals to and bagged food for the homeless with their parents. For the last couple of years, Hannah has also donated her birthday gifts and money to the Loma Linda Children’s Hospital, the Blind Institute in San Bernardino and also to those in Papua New Guinea. This year, said her father, Hannah’s sister Shemariah decided to follow in her steps. “My grandma always said, [nothing] in this world belongs to us. We come into the world with not a single thing on our backs. Everything belongs to God,” said Isprasetyo. Their mother, Dannielle Ivey, said, “When they were born, I wanted to think of the world as a better place. I didn’t want them to be wasteful, and I wanted them to help make the world better. I’m really proud of them. They love [volunteering].” She noted that when the family helps at local food pantries, the girls “never want to leave until everything is done.” For years, Isprasetyo and his family have been working independently to give back to their community and for the past three years, he and his friends, with the help of their friends and family, have been participating in independent humanitarian projects throughout the world. This month, Isprasetyo set off with eight others for Borneo to continue the construction of water containers and donating solar panels. Dannielle Ivey said that one day, she sees the girls getting to travel around the world and perform humanitarian tasks. “The girls always want to help. We hope one day to travel and be able to take them with us, so they can see how other people live.” When she was in high school, Ivey got her start in community giveback by participating in various outreach programs, and also participating in mission trips. The couple’s history of service spilled over to their children. Ivey said Shemariah’s favorite story is “The Good Samaritan,” a biblical parable that tells the story of a Samaritan who helps a Jewish man who was beaten and robbed. “She always asks to have that story read aloud to her,” Ivey said. Hannah and Shemariah are both young students at Redlands Adventist Academy, in the third and first grades, respectively. When he sees his girls giving back, Isprasetyo said he feels a sense of pride. “I’m very happy when I see that,” he said. “If we can do it, let’s do it. As long as we’re able to give back, we should give back.”