Written by Shuli Lo
Translated by H.B. Qin
Edited by Ida Eva Zielinska
On August 6, 2025, as the new school year approached, the Alhambra Unified School District (AUSD) in Southern California hosted a heartwarming and large-scale back-to-school supplies distribution event. The initiative provided material support to students and families preparing for the upcoming school year, helping them start with a sense of stability and reassurance. Organized by Lindsey K. Ma, Assistant Superintendent of AUSD Student Support Services, the event was supported by community partners, including Tzu Chi USA, US Foods, and food pantries. Over 2,000 parents and students attended to receive household and school supplies.
Edith Gonzalez, representing Hilda L. Solis – Los Angeles County Supervisor for the First District and Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chair Pro Tem – presented a certificate of appreciation to Tzu Chi during the event. Gonzalez said she was attending the event to support the AUSD and the Alhambra Teachers Association (ATA) in helping families and students receive back-to-school essentials, including backpacks, school supplies, haircuts, and fresh produce. She also extended sincere gratitude to all the volunteers and partners.
The AUSD also presented certificates of appreciation to all event partners, including Tzu Chi.
Community Partners Join Forces to Support Students
“The purpose of this event is to help our students get ready for a positive start on the first day of school, which is Tuesday, August 12th, 2025,” said Assistant Superintendent of AUSD Student Support Services Lindsay Ma at the event.
ATA Bargaining & Finance Chair Tammy Scorcia led event planning and on-site operations. “Through the generous donation of the Tzu Chi Foundation and US Foods, we actually have fresh produce,” said Scorcia. “And we also have backpacks that were donated by the Tzu Chi Foundation. We have barbers and hair stylists that have come to give the kids back-to-school haircuts. And then we also have clothing, lots of clothing, and shoes. And everybody’s here for the students and their families to make this an exciting kickoff. We do this for our families because we know that times are tough right now. The prices of everything have gone up. We have a lot of families that have lost their jobs or they’re working multiple jobs just to pay very expensive housing costs. So we wanted to make sure to make it easier.”
“We specifically selected 200 households from the most vulnerable schools,” Tzu Chi USA Deputy CEO James Chen added. “They are extremely disadvantaged families, like homeless people. We provide them with cash cards.”
Heartfelt Gratitude Expressed
Many families expressed heartfelt gratitude at the event. “It is hard due to the economy and everything that’s going on. Prices are going high and everything. So, yeah. Thank you. I appreciate this,” said Lloselin Sequen, a parent of six, who received a $50 cash card for each child. “In total, it’s $300. It’s going to go for the rest of their supplies in case they need something. And let’s say if they need anything else other than supplies, then that money is going to be there for them.” Sequen was also grateful that others were receiving assistance. “I’m glad that I’m not the only one, everybody else around us is getting help. And you know, this just shows that there’s feelings here. So, I do appreciate that.”
Gloria came with her eight-year-old great-grandson Oliver to receive the supplies. She expressed her gratitude, “It’s our first time here. And it was wonderful and beautiful. Everybody is so nice. They gave us a debit card, $50 to buy him shoes, socks, food, clothes, anything. And we just had a wonderful experience. We got some food. And I don’t know what else to say, but thank you, Lord.”
Fernando Garcia’s home was recently damaged by a fire, leaving his family of seven temporarily homeless. The American Red Cross referred the family to Tzu Chi, and they became a long-term charity-care case. “Thank you for your help and support. You’ve given us so much. We just lost our home and faced this unexpected tragedy,” he said. “Now you’ve provided us with clothes, food, and backpacks…”
Fifth-grader Xixi Wei and her younger brother came with their mother to receive supplies. “I’m so happy to see everyone here today. We got backpacks and stationery we can use for school. Thank you all for your help,” Wei said.
Amid rising living costs and unemployment challenges for some families, the Alhambra Unified School District, with the participation of Tzu Chi USA and other community partners, has offered relief to many households. The August 6, 2025, back-to-school distribution went beyond material aid: It became a relay of love and support, ensuring students’ physical and emotional well-being and empowering them to embrace the new school year with hope.
Join Tzu Chi USA in supporting children in need. Your love can equip students with backpacks, supplies, and fresh produce so they start school ready to learn.
