A letter from the founder.

The Hizon International Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to creating opportunities for education, mentorship, and wellness.
We are driven by gratitude and purpose, working globally to uplift single mothers, children, and underserved communities.

October 2026
Greetings!
Looking back on our journey, I am filled with gratitude for the many people and acts of kindness that have brought us here. I was born in the Philippines and moved to the United States at age 10, where I was welcomed into the care of my grandmother, Patrocinio De Guzman. Her strength, generosity, and compassion have stayed with me throughout my life.

More than 20 years ago, I started the Tooth Fairy Drive, collecting toothbrushes and toothpaste for schoolchildren in the Philippines. What began as a simple effort grew with the help of family, friends, and people who shared the same desire to give.

In 2022, we established the Hizon International Foundation to continue this work and reach more lives.
Here is what we have accomplished together:
▦ Patrocinio De Guzman Scholarship: Since 2023, we have supported 21 individual single mothers through 28 scholarship awards across the United States, Europe, and Africa. We have many success stories among our scholars. One of our first scholars began her journey at a community college, earned her bachelor's degree this year, and is now pursuing her master's. We are proud of her achievement and grateful to have been part of her journey.
▦ Hizon Learning Library: What began in November 2025 as a community book drive grew into a lasting gift of learning. Through the generosity of donors and volunteers, we collected and shipped over 1,300 books to Basdiot Elementary School in the Philippines. Working with the school, a former storage room was transformed into the Hizon Learning Library, officially opened in July 2026. Today, this welcoming space offers young learners a place to read, explore, discover, and develop a lifelong love of books. 
▦ Lola Pat's Garden: Started in July 2026 at Basdiot Elementary School, the garden gives children an opportunity to learn about planting, caring for nature, and growing their own food. We hope that, in time, its harvests will also help provide food for children who need it.
▦ Tooth Fairy Drive: Our longest-running effort continues to provide dental hygiene essentials and promote healthy habits among underserved schoolchildren in the Philippines.
▦ Mentorship and Community Programs: Through mentorship, educational activities, and our Gratitude Soirees, we have brought people together to share, learn, and encourage one another.

When I think about how it all started, I am reminded that we don't need to do something grand to make a difference. Sometimes, all it takes is a toothbrush, a book, a seed, or a little kindness. I am deeply grateful to our scholars, donors, volunteers, educators, community partners, and especially my family. None of this would have been possible without you.

There is still much to do, and we will continue doing what we can, with the same purpose that started this journey: to help create opportunities through education, mentorship, and wellness.

Together, we can keep making someone’s life even more beautiful.

With heartfelt gratitude,
🦋 Aylene Norris 🦋
Founder, Hizon International Foundation

Welcome to the Hizon International Foundation