According to the American Red Cross (ARC), home fires claim seven lives every day, but having working smoke alarms can cut the risk of death by half. That’s why ARC launched the Sound the Alarm program in many parts of the United States, rallying volunteers to install free smoke alarms. On October 1, 2022, Tzu Chi USA accepted ARC’s invitation and co-hosted a Sound the Alarm event in Monterey Park, Los Angeles County, California. Through installing smoke alarms and promoting fire-preventive practices, everyone hoped that families could take prompt action to protect lives should a home fire ignite, helping reduce casualties and financial losses.

Volunteers register those arriving for the distribution of food and backpacks at Del Vallejo Leadership and STEAM Academy in California. Photo/Shengping Liu Written by Cishi

The Tzu Chi USA National Headquarters Region Orange County Service Center has regularly distributed fruits and vegetables to low-income families in Santa Ana. Beginning in June, the Orange County Food Bank additionally provided baby diapers. On August 11, 2022, Tzu Chi distributed nine pallets of fresh vegetables and fruits, three pallets of diapers, and two pallets of other items, a total of 14 pallets of supplies, to nearly 100 parents at Abraham Lincoln Elementary School.

Tzu Chi USA National Headquarters volunteers held their annual Back-to-School Program event at Alhambra High in Southern California to distribute backpacks, stationery, and cash cards. The initiative launched in 2016 and is in its seventh year of operation in 2022.