Written by Ivy Wong and Jennifer Chou
Translated by H.B. Qin
Edited by Ida Eva Zielinska
On the morning of August 2, 2025, a heartfelt emergency relief distribution took place at the Middlesex Public Library in the town of Middlesex, in Central New Jersey. The event served those impacted by the intense thunderstorms of July 14–15 that produced torrential rain and flash flooding across parts of the Northeast, with New Jersey’s Middlesex, Somerset, and Union counties among the hardest hit. Fifty disaster-affected households received assistance, provided by 25 Tzu Chi USA volunteers working in collaboration with American Red Cross personnel.
Working in Collaboration with the American Red Cross
Disasters strike in an instant and shatter homes and lives. Thunderstorms descended on parts of the northeastern U.S. beginning on the evening of July 14, dumping 5 to 8 inches of rain in a short period. The relentless rain caused rivers and drainage systems to overflow, resulting in severe flooding in New Jersey, where a state of emergency was declared. Hard-hit communities included Dunellen in Middlesex County; North Plainfield and Green Brook in Somerset County; and Plainfield in Union County. Many underprivileged families, already facing significant hardships, found their situation worsened by the downpour and its aftermath.
On July 15, Tzu Chi volunteers and American Red Cross personnel met in North Plainfield in the afternoon to assess the nearby disaster-stricken areas. The damage was extensive, impacting three counties and seven towns. In response, the Red Cross established Multi-Agency Resource Centers in each county to compile records, a complicated process. Once the finalized list of affected households became available on August 1, Doris Chang, Executive Director of Tzu Chi USA’s Mid-Atlantic Region, decided to proceed with a disaster aid distribution the very next day.
Since the catastrophe struck in Central New Jersey, Chang expressed gratitude for all the Tzu Chi volunteers from the area who joined this mission. During the next day’s distribution, the team would empathize with survivors’ hardships and offer warm, attentive care so they would not feel alone as they began the arduous task of cleaning and repairing their homes.
Tzu Chi's Philosophy Touches Disaster Survivors
At 8 AM on August 2, Tzu Chi flags fluttered at the entrance of the Middlesex Public Library, welcoming volunteers from central, northern, and southern New Jersey. Jennifer Chou, Central New Jersey team leader and the event’s general coordinator, expressed gratitude to the participating volunteers for turning compassion into action by taking on different roles and setting up areas for registration, verification, distribution, and computer services. American Red Cross personnel also provided on-site assistance to ensure smooth operations.
The Tzu Chi team introduced Tzu Chi’s founding story and environmental protection philosophy, and shared about the Bamboo Bank spirit of giving to help those in need. They also read a letter of condolence from Master Cheng Yen.
When Tzu Chi’s Love and Care for All video played at the start of the event, volunteer Sam Chou and Tzu Chi USA Mid-Atlantic Region Executive Director Doris Chang stood at the front while all the other volunteers and attending disaster survivors rose together to watch and pray for an end to disasters worldwide.
As the distribution began, the computer team volunteers first entered survivors’ information into the database and verified details. Then, as cash cards were issued, volunteers explained that the cards would be usable the following day.
Kindness Passed On
One disaster survivor, Eljay Aguillo, declined a cash card, having already received home insurance compensation and assistance from the American Red Cross. She chose to pass it on to those in greater need. Aguillo said she attended the event to learn more about Tzu Chi’s services and philosophy.
Tzu Chi’s distribution in New Jersey provided not only material aid but also revealed the power of compassion. When disaster survivors shed tears of gratitude and embraced volunteers, it was clear that love transcends language and culture, becoming a source of spiritual solace for all.
Disasters are merciless, but love is everywhere. Tzu Chi volunteers strive through their actions to show that kindness brings hope and helps people recover. Join us in serving those in need by expressing your love with a donation to Tzu Chi’s missions.
