Written by Hsiulien Chu
Translated by H.B. Qin
Edited by Ariel Tsai
On July 31, Tzu Chi USA Southern Region volunteers went to the FBGC Mobile Pantry Distribution – Food Distribution Center in Wharton, Texas, to participate in Greg Baines Day and Happy Back-to-School Day Fair.
The 10th annual Greg Baines Day brought the community together to honor a great man: the founder of Just Do It Now. The memorial venue was filled with joy, with children’s laughter in the inflatable castle and from the water balloon game.
True Friendship Revealed in Times of Adversity
As early as 2014 and 2015, two consecutive years of flood relief efforts forged a bond between Tzu Chi USA Southern Region volunteers and Wharton, a city located 80 kilometers away. After Hurricane Harvey devastated the area in August 2017, Tzu Chi, in addition to initiating immediate aid, developed a medium- and long-term reconstruction plan (C.O.R.E.) to assist residents whose lives had been disrupted.
Over the past decade, Tzu Chi volunteers have worked closely with partner organization Just Do It Now to maintain consistent support for the local community. Tzu Chi has always provided timely assistance during the years when disasters hit, such as severe storms, snowstorms, and tornadoes. Tzu Chi volunteers’ supply of pandemic materials and meals is deeply appreciated by the residents. As Just Do It Now operates an after-school program that assists 100 to 150 students, volunteers frequently deliver school supplies to support the children’s education.
Barbie Fortenberry, Assistant Executive Director of Just Do It Now, is also the community liaison for Tzu Chi’s medium and long-term disaster relief efforts. In July, the organization hosted an event commemorating its founder and invited Southern Region volunteers to participate. Reuniting with old friends was particularly heartwarming.
“It’s been a little while since I’ve seen you guys. So yes, I’m so excited that y’all are here today,” said Barbie Fortenberry. “We truly appreciate everything Tzu Chi Foundation does for Just Do It Now and the community of Wharton. You guys have helped in many different areas. We cannot even begin to express our gratitude to you guys.”
The volunteers not only came to participate but also brought gifts. Barbie Fortenberry was overjoyed and said, “You guys showed up in full force with school supplies, backpacks, and even brought some shoes for our little girls. There is no way that we could tell you how much we appreciate and love you for that.”
“My goal would be to give back to you guys. And like I’ve said before, if there’s ever a disaster you guys are going to, I would love to come out and serve. Because you guys inspire me to serve my community and others even more.” Fortenberry’s enthusiasm is not just in words, but also shown in her actions. When Tzu Chi planned to distribute supplies in the community, she passed the message on to the residents in advance, and if time permitted, she participated and volunteered in distributions in other areas. She is like family to Tzu Chi.
Remembering the Founder's Original Intent
Just Do It Now was founded by Greg Baines in 2000 with the aim of helping those in need in the community. Mr. Baines passed away in 2014; to commemorate him, the organization hosts an annual event to honor his contributions.
“We’re very, very thankful to Tzu Chi for all they have done and continue to do for Just Do It Now, and for this community that we serve. Without Tzu Chi, we wouldn’t be able to do what we do”, said James Perez, the current Executive Director. “These backpacks are really big help to our community and to the parents, and to the kids. It’s one less thing that they have to pay for and to buy when they start their school year, … especially this day and age, when prices are very high, to be able to afford things”.
We're out here in the rural community. For Tzu Chi to be able to come to a small town like this and help a small community like this really does help us out a lot.
Volunteers distribute backpacks and school supplies to children. Photo/Luca Yeh
Volunteers’ Consideration and Care Illuminate Children's Education Journey
Tzu Chi USA Southern Region Deputy Executive Director Penny Liu, who attended the commemorative event for the first time, gained a deeper understanding of the founder’s journey of redemption and giving back to the community: “The founder was once a reformed criminal. After being released from prison, he deeply regretted his past actions. So he vowed to establish an organization to help the youths in his community. Thus, he founded this organization and started an after-school program to assist the children there.”
Penny Liu felt a warm connection with the community after participating. She hopes for more collaboration in the future, “I feel that this community is truly kind to us and has a special connection with us, so I hope to explore what else we can do to contribute.”
Julienne Chi, Deputy Executive Director of the Southern Region, is deeply grateful for Barbie Fortenberry’s generous assistance, which enables volunteers to complete their tasks smoothly each time without the hassle of making multiple trips. For Julienne to purchase school supplies beforehand required a lot of effort, as she needed to search for affordable yet high-quality items. But seeing the residents’ and children’s reactions made her feel that all the effort was worthwhile. She said, “Seeing their reactions and their joy makes me feel everything was worth it. I don’t find it exhausting or anything; I’m just very happy to be able to do my small part for them.”
Connecting the Community with Love
When it comes to purchasing supplies, experienced volunteer Jennifer An would keep an eye out for discounted items and purchase them in advance. She said, “Knowing that schools are starting and refugee families will need them, I’d buy them. The prices were very low. And I’m happy when I see how happy they make them.”
Seeing underprivileged children wearing new shoes makes me happy. When they're happy, we're happy too.
From floods, snowstorms, and pandemic materials to daily necessities, the bond between Tzu Chi volunteers, Just Do It Now, and the city of Wharton transcends disasters and time and grows deeper through mutual understanding and care. In the future, Tzu Chi volunteers will continue to safeguard this bridge of compassion, connecting communities with love and illuminating more lives.
