Translated by H.B. Qin Edited by Ariel Tsai
On April 10, 2026, Tzu Chi USA Mid-Atlantic Region’s office facility was filled with the busy figures of volunteers under the bright spring morning sunshine, as it has been every Friday for the past 15 years. From setting up tents outdoors to organizing produce and dried goods indoors, to the registration team’s computer setup for the day’s new care recipients, the volunteers performed their respective duties, preparing to distribute supplies to 500 care recipients.
The service, which has been running for 15 years, rain or shine, has become a stable and important support for the local community. But there were new faces at the distribution site this time. Nine volunteers from St. Catherine of Siena Roman Catholic Church in Cedar Grove joined the service.
Love that Spans Faiths
This cross-faith collaboration originated from last year’s Interfaith Service during Thanksgiving. Church representative Patricia Brown’s connection with Tzu Chi led to the collaboration on the Shepherds of Service project.
Patricia shared the church’s service philosophy, “Our ministry is called Shepherds of Service. We have a few hundred of our parishioners involved in over 150 ministry tasks. It is very much encouraged for people to do this to help our neighbors in need. Because it’s part of being a disciple of Christ, it is part of who we are. It’s in our DNA.”
Because we want to do good for everybody, we want this to be a win-win.
They were delighted to serve at the Tzu Chi office facility for the first time. “Our ministry has been in existence for 17 years. And we keep growing because the need keeps growing.”
She also shared how she came to be connected with Tzu Chi: “We heard about the food pantry because our church is in Cedar Grove. I investigated it, had a meeting with some of your members, and toured the facility to make sure it was a good fit.”
Revealing the Brilliance of Humanity
The distribution started promptly at 10:30 A.M. Church volunteers quickly integrated into the team and took the duty of distributing eggs and dry goods.
The division of duties, cooperation, and mutual assistance on-site was truly touching. Donna, the event organizer, noticed John’s old knee injury and offered to switch roles with him, letting him distribute eggs, which was an easier task.
According to Donna, the Church’s long-standing service aims to help the homeless and other vulnerable groups, which aligns perfectly with Tzu Chi’s long-standing commitment to the community.
John mentioned that when he was serving in Newark, he saw homeless people with scarce supplies of their own return an extra portion they had mistakenly taken from the distribution, leaving it for those who needed it more. This selflessness in the face of scarcity deeply moved him and became the driving force for his continued dedication. He said, “People need help. That’s what we’re here for. … It amazes me how people in need can also be so grateful. And (they are) so happy to see someone, not only give them food, but also smile at them and say hello. They like to be recognized.”
I don’t think any of us are meant to be alone. So the opportunity to find people who feel the same way you do, who are grateful to see you, and happy to see you there, is wonderful.
John was deeply moved by the gratitude and kindness of the people receiving the supplies, and was impressed by the orderly process, teamwork, and friendly attitude of the Tzu Chi volunteers. He also emphasized the importance of interpersonal connections and community participation, and praised Tzu Chi for its long-term weekly assistance, which allows many people to return regularly to collect supplies with peace of mind.
Orderly and Warm: The Power of Teamwork
For the first-time volunteers, Tzu Chi’s organization and operations were equally impressive. Church volunteer David praised the team’s organizational skills and enthusiasm for service, considering the experience a blessing, and affirmed the orderly yet joyful atmosphere.
He said, “The people here who organize this are just fantastic. Nobody’s sitting around. Everybody’s working. It’s organized, very organized.”
When being asked what stood him out the most, another church volunteer noted, “Just helping other people, the outpouring of help. … I think it’s really wonderful that you’re helping every week, rain or shine. And I think that’s just so meaningful for the community.”
The Power of Goodness to Spread
Church volunteer Jennifer was impressed by the event’s smooth operation and professionalism and felt comfortable interacting with the Tzu Chi volunteers. “It’s truly amazing to see how well this organization operates. Everyone is very friendly, and it’s always nice to get out and get to know other people. It’s actually a lot of fun, and very fulfilling.” She said she would share it with her children. “And maybe they can bring other young people to come help as well.”
Patricia Braun praised the efficiency of Tzu Chi volunteers, the gratitude of those they cared for, and the welcoming atmosphere. She emphasized that the spirit of pure love and joy is most influential, thereby encouraging more people to volunteer and witness the benefits of service to both oneself and others. “I would say that you’re missing out if you’re not involved in this type of service ministry. It is rewarding for you as an individual. But most importantly, you’re serving a need right in your own community.”
Love Will Continue at the Next Collaboration
The two-hour service ended happily and successfully. Doris Chang, Executive Director of Tzu Chi Mid-Atlantic Region, introduced Jing Si tea and pumpkin soy milk powder to the volunteers to express her gratitude. Church volunteer Pam pledged to participate monthly for six months; some volunteers said they would invite family and friends to join.
As Master Cheng Yen’s teaching indicates in her Jing Si Aphorisms, “Tender loving care is found in all corners of the world. Everyone can be a bodhisattva to help those in need.” This cross-faith and cross-cultural exchange of good deeds not only met the community’s practical needs but also planted seeds of understanding and care in each other’s hearts. When people of different faiths and ethnicities come together out of goodwill, love naturally flows in their interactions, extending from a single service to a long-term partnership, spreading continuously and endlessly throughout the community.
