Written by Hsiulien Chu
Translated by H.B. Qin
Edited by Ariel Tsai
Tzu Chi USA’s Southern Region partners with the Houston Food Bank to hold bi-monthly produce distributions. The event regularly draws young volunteers from diverse ethnic backgrounds. Recently, Tzu Chi volunteers from Los Angeles, California, and Taiwan have also joined the effort, providing timely and valuable support.
Volunteering Together and Spreading Joy
Under clear, sunny skies on the day of the distribution, volunteers in the “produce drive-thru” area worked in an orderly fashion to set up traffic cones, tents, and distribution tables. Both young and veteran volunteers carried out their tasks with skill and coordination.
In another area designated for local residents who arrived on foot or with pushcarts, volunteers neatly sorted and bagged a variety of fruits and vegetables delivered by the food bank. Once care recipients completed check-in, they could promptly collect their groceries.
John Li, from Los Angeles, California, was volunteering at this event for the first time. Seeing how happy the locals were to receive groceries made him smile as well. “I broke a sweat, but it feels great to help people from different backgrounds and see them take home so much food. We really feel joyful and happy.”
It’s my first time in Houston, and I’m really glad I could volunteer here. In the future, wherever I go, I’ll join in if I see a Tzu Chi event.
Yasiu Chen, also from Los Angeles, had previously participated in produce distributions in California. Comparing the events, he found that volunteers in both places were equally dedicated, and everyone was cheerful. The work didn’t feel hard at all. “I’ll come whenever I’m free. If Jingdian Chen asks, and I’ve got the time, I’ll definitely come. I don’t really know how to put it into words. It just feels really good. Helping people gives me this kind of excitement!”
The Connection of Love Brought by Destiny
“A Tzu Chi volunteer does Tzu Chi’s work. Wherever we go, we bring love to those in need and to society. I believe this is what we Tzu Chi volunteers are meant to do. Even if we only spare a moment of time or contribute just a little, what matters is that we show up. For us, there are no national borders or regional divisions,” volunteer Jingdian Chen said.
John Li and Yasiu Chen were both invited by Los Angeles Tzu Chi volunteer Jingdian Chen. Although Jingdian hasn’t been with Tzu Chi for long, he feels a deep affinity with the organization. While traveling, he happened to stay at a hotel near the office of the Southern Region, and getting lost led him straight to its doorstep. In his words, it’s as if the Bodhisattvas were guiding him, linking his path closely to Tzu Chi.
Jingdian is always prepared to do Tzu Chi work, ready to go wherever help is needed. He feels Tzu Chi’s missions need more helping hands, especially from men: “I hope more Tzu Cheng volunteers (Tzu Chi’s term for male volunteers) can join us in cultivating this field of blessings. We share this great field of blessings as Tzu Chi volunteers, and we till it together… We plant seeds of goodness, seeds of love. That too is a kind of spiritual wealth and merit.”
Tzu Chi’s compassionate work depends on those who act from the heart. Chihchia Hsiao, a volunteer from Chiayi, Taiwan, was on a business trip. He decided to bring his uniform and join the distribution.
“Tzu Chi has a presence in many places around the world. I thought there must be even more in the US. That’s why I brought my Tzu Chi uniform so I could volunteer while I’m here,” Hsiao said. He praised the Southern Region for its planning and execution of the distribution, from online registration to separating pedestrian and vehicle traffic onsite, ensuring everything ran smoothly and efficiently. He also shared that after retiring, he hopes to volunteer in Lumbini in India, the birthplace of the Buddha.
United in Effort, Fulfilled in Heart
The Southern Region volunteers were energized by the arrival of these unexpected volunteers. Roger Lin, Deputy Executive Director of the Southern Region, shared with emotion: “Every Tzu Chi volunteer carries their ‘blue sky and white clouds’ uniform wherever they go. And the first thing they do when arriving in a new place is report to the local Tzu Chi office. It’s like coming home, not just a spiritual home, but a place where we’re rooted… This is true for every volunteer. It’s truly moving.”
With inflation and tariffs driving up prices across the U.S., many people are struggling to make ends meet. Lin expressed concern that government funding for food banks may be cut due to budget constraints, which would significantly impact vulnerable communities. But no matter what lies ahead, Tzu Chi volunteers will continue to give all that they can in the present. They won’t back down just because things get difficult.
Each food distribution mobilizes 70 to 80 volunteers, including volunteers who work behind the scenes preparing delicious vegetarian meals to support the team.
Seeing the joy light up the eyes of those receiving assistance, the volunteers felt a deeper kind of happiness from their morning of service. As long as they can reach a place and do something for the people there, Tzu Chi volunteers will continue to spread love to the whole world. They also pray for the purification of hearts, peace in society, and a world free from disasters, so that all may live in safety and contentment.
