Written by Lina Lee
Translated by H.B. Qin
Edited by Adriana DiBenedetto
As the year drew to a close and the winter chill deepened, the air in Huntington Park, California, carried a genuine sense of anticipation. On December 13, 2025, the auditorium of Gage Middle School was transformed into a space for joy and support as the Tzu Chi Cerritos Service Center hosted its annual Winter Distribution. The event served as a bridge of hope for families from two local schools, offering not just material aid, but a reminder that they are not alone.
Joining Hearts and Hands
The day began at 7 AM in the soft morning light, as volunteers readied the venue with practiced efficiency, ensuring every aspect conveyed a welcoming spirit. For the 69 families in attendance, the distribution provided a vital lifeline: a $100 cash card to help navigate the financial pressures of the holiday season, paired with the comfort of warm eco-blankets, socks, and bags of festive treats arranged by Tzu Chi Youth Group members.
For many families in need of assistance, the morning was a rare respite from the anxieties of the unknown, as many daily necessities remained out of reach.
Many families are facing difficult times. We hope this timely care brings them warmth and support during the cold winter season.
Love Without Borders
The morning’s program additionally included a glimpse into Tzu Chi’s global reach. Through this screening, families — many of whom were meeting the foundation for the first time — witnessed how unconditional love transcends cultural and geographical boundaries, and can set a far-reaching cycle of care in motion.
For the volunteers, the event was equally transformative, with one volunteer sharing that the joy of giving had brought a sense of inner peace they hoped would ripple outward, inspiring others to plant seeds of kindness in their own neighborhoods.
在香氣四溢中，學員們分組體驗研磨。有人細心轉動，有人興奮地搖動擂棒，茶粉、花生、芝麻的香氣在空氣中交融。攝影／駱淑麗
For volunteer Stella Chang, the day was a family affair. Her husband, a fellow volunteer, had long shared the impact his service has on his outlook. “This is how I came to Tzu Chi. Every time my husband returns from a Tzu Chi activity, he comes home and shares his experiences with me. Each time he tells me about it, he’s so excited,” said Stella. “So, I thought that if I had the chance, I’d also like to share that same joy and excitement after participating in Tzu Chi activities. I feel deeply moved and honored to have this opportunity to join today’s event.”
“We served families from two schools today,” said Tzu Chi volunteer Vera Yeh. “Originally, 80 families were scheduled, while 69 attended. Some have been separated from family members. They are facing tremendous hardship. By providing these cash cards and winter supplies, we hope to help them feel the spirit of the season again.”
Blessings Move the Heart
The gratitude from the parents at the event was palpable, expressed frequently through smiles and heartfelt words. Philip Gaiser, who has also joined Tzu Chi food bank activities over the past two years, reflected on the morning’s atmosphere. “I’ve known Tzu chi now for two years, and me and my family have gone to many food bank distributions on Saturday. It’s been nothing but a blessing, and all the people that I’ve encountered have been nothing but full of love, peace, and compassion. And I’ve got to say, I see the outreach that they do in the community, and it is awesome. Today, for the winter event, I got gifts and a gift card. So I’ve been blessed once again by Tzu Chi. And I just want to say thank you very much for all the work you do. And I’m very honored to be a part of your community. Thank you very much.”
Crystal Zaragora, a former teacher whose family was selected for the program through Miles Elementary, shared a similar sentiment of connection. “I feel very blessed to be chosen, happy, and excited. I learned a lot of new stuff from this foundation. I want to extend my thanks and gratitude to not only your foundation but also to Miles for selecting us,” Zaragora expressed. “Thank you so much. I felt blessed. I learned a lot of stuff about a different culture and how you guys are blessing other people. You’ve done a lot of great stuff and activities in our community and other communities.”
Mayra Valenzuela, a former parent at Miles Elementary School, volunteered at the school with her son, too, and also serves monthly at Tzu Chi. “I am very grateful to have been selected to be part of this wonderful organization that helps families and to serve all of you, and so grateful to all of you for everything that you do for our community and other communities as well,” she said. “In our bags, we have a blanket and a lot of good things for our families, and for that I am very grateful, and I hope this continues for many, many more years to come.”
As the event drew to a close, and the auditorium filled with the gentle melody of “Love and Care,” volunteers and families joined together once more in sign language, their hands moving in unison to offer blessings for the year ahead. Winter may be cold, but love’s warmth never falters. Through steadfast actions, Tzu Chi volunteers continue sowing seeds of compassion across communities, and honoring the dignity of every neighbor.
