Written by Shuli Lo
Translated by H.B. Qin
Edited by Adriana DiBenedetto
In the early morning hours of June 14, 2025, a team of Tzu Chi volunteers had already arrived at the YMCA of West San Gabriel Valley’s parking lot, just a short drive away from Tzu Chi USA’s San Gabriel Valley Service Center. Here, the volunteers worked in unison to set up service tents, arrange supplies, and cultivate a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere for the day’s grocery distribution event.
That same day, protests were unfolding in various parts of Southern California, particularly in Los Angeles. With community safety and wellness ever at the forefront, volunteers approached the event with added care, creating a smooth experience for guests. Before the distribution began, James Chen, Director of the San Gabriel Valley Service Center, reminded the team to be mindful and calm in case of unexpected circumstances, ensuring a safe and efficient experience for all. The morning progressed smoothly, however, and the event concluded successfully with 297 food packages distributed, benefiting 705 individuals.
Soaring Costs, Growing Need
In recent months, the cost of living has continued to rise. Alongside inflated prices for daily essentials, sales tax rates also increased in over 100 California cities as of April 1, 2025. According to the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration, several Los Angeles-area communities with large Chinese populations — including Alhambra, Arcadia, Baldwin Park, Monterey Park, and San Gabriel — saw tax rates rise from 10.25% to 10.5%.
Volunteers arrive at the YMCA parking lot early in the morning to prepare for the event, unloading supplies, setting up tents, and powering up laptops. Everyone works together cheerfully, filling in wherever needed to ensure everything is ready. Photo/Shuli Lo
Yet, while prices soar, wages have not always kept pace. For many families, each dollar must be stretched further. That’s why community support is so fundamental. Tzu Chi’s monthly food distributions offer families fresh fruits, vegetables, and pantry staples, giving local individuals and families meaningful relief.
Because May’s distribution was paused to accommodate Tzu Chi’s Buddha Day Ceremony — which also coincided with Mother’s Day and Tzu Chi Day — community members eagerly anticipated the return of this vital service. Calls flooded in with inquiries about the next opportunity, underscoring the distribution’s importance.
“The first person arrived to queue at 3 AM today, and the second and third arrived before 3:30,” James Chen shared. “Almost every month, people start lining up before 4 AM. That shows how urgent the need for this service is in our community.”
Neighbors Helping Neighbors
The event also saw participation from Tzu Chi Youth Association members, also known as Tzu Shao, and their parents, many of whom volunteered during their summer break. Their kindness and attentiveness moved guests who came to collect supplies.
“We really appreciate and thank all the volunteers for giving their time to come and help the community, and to give out all the food that not only benefits my family, but benefits everybody in the community,” said Jorge Mansil, who has participated in pantry distributions and volunteer services ten times. Mansil always arrives between 3:30 and 4 AM, voluntarily helps maintain order and organize the queue by distributing temporary numbers. Once the volunteers arrive, he helps in transitioning the temporary numbers to official ones as the event gets underway.
Cathy Wong, a senior resident in the community, also arrived at the event with friends, and expressed her appreciation for the healthy, fresh produce offered. For older adults on fixed incomes, this support makes a world of difference.
Supplies distributed included pantry staples like canned goods and fresh produce. Photo/Shuli Lo
“Among today’s volunteers, some were once recipients themselves, who are now giving back to the community by shifting from receiving to serving,” said James Chen. “Many Tzu Shao volunteers also took part during their summer vacation. Each distribution event involves approximately 80 – 90 volunteers working together, embodying Tzu Chi’s spirit of compassion and service.”
Volunteers help and guide guests as they collect groceries. Photo/Shuli Lo
Uplifting Spirits Through Service
“Every time I participate in the distribution, it brings me inner peace and joy. I rarely have the opportunity to participate in such charitable activities. But since joining Tzu Chi, I have hoped to make time to take part every time,” volunteer Yuan Feng reflected. “The types of supplies distributed are diverse, including fruits, dry goods, nuts, canned food, and more, fully considering the different dietary needs of communities. Being able to provide concrete assistance to those in need in a city with high living costs is a privilege worth cherishing.”
Tzu Chi volunteers will continue to uphold their community commitments with compassion, safeguarding hope while fulfilling vital needs for a brighter tomorrow.
