Written by Wenchi Chuang
Translated by H.B. Qin
Edited by Ida Eva Zielinska
September 12, 2025, was a crisp early autumn day in New Jersey. That morning, the courtyard of Tzu Chi USA’s Mid-Atlantic Region Office bustled with activity, volunteers in blue-and-white uniforms easily spotted among the crowd. The food pantry program was celebrating its 15th anniversary, a milestone honoring the countless volunteers who have quietly offered love and hope to families in need over the past decade and a half.
Perseverance That Built Something From Nothing
As morning sunlight streamed into the courtyard of Tzu Chi USA’s Mid-Atlantic Region Office, volunteers were already busy unloading, sorting, and packing food, greeting one another with warm smiles as they worked. Balloons and ribbons adorned the familiar space as they prepared for the food pantry program’s 15th anniversary celebration before care recipients arrived.
When cars finally began to pull in, the courtyard and driveway shifted from quiet preparation to lively activity. Volunteers stood ready with signs and welcoming smiles as they greeted each vehicle, and laughter soon filled the air. For many, this was not just a celebration but a moment of gratitude, looking back on 15 years of building something from nothing.
Tzu Chi USA Mid-Atlantic Region Executive Director Doris Chang still recalls the day the program launched in 2009. “We had everything prepared, yet not a single care recipient came,” she said. “The food bank staff reassured us, ‘Don’t worry, there will be many in the future.’ Indeed, more and more families began appearing here gradually.”
The food pantry now serves nearly 450 families each week, and the volunteer team has grown from a handful to dozens. “It’s truly moving to see everyone loading bags of food into the vehicles, working from morning until 2 PM. Every time I work with the volunteers under the scorching sun or in the biting wind, I feel from the bottom of my heart that this is the spirit of Tzu Chi.”
Witnesses to the Food Pantry’s Evolution
Volunteer Chen Linghua is one of the food pantry program’s “veterans.” “On the first day, I wondered, ‘Can this succeed?’” she remembers. “By the ninth year, I thought, ‘Can we make it to ten?’ I never imagined it would be 15 years in the blink of an eye.” Over this time, volunteers have poured great effort into everything from organizing and transporting food supplies to the distribution area to keeping hardcopy records and eventually introducing computerized management.
It hasn't been easy, but I'm truly grateful that so many people are willing to work together.
Hua Lin, another dedicated long-time volunteer, shared a similar feeling. “We used to serve about 200 care recipients, and now it’s over 400. Though it’s demanding, it brings joy, because the more people know about Tzu Chi, the farther our love reaches.”
At the same time, volunteer Ivy Wong can’t help but think about what the growing numbers might mean. “As the number of care recipients grows, I sometimes wonder if this reflects increasing financial pressure. I do hope that one day fewer people will need the food pantry’s services, because that would mean everyone’s life has improved,” she said.
Over the years, the food pantry’s steady commitment to help the community has also touched neighbors who had no prior connection to Tzu Chi but were moved by what they saw outside the Mid-Atlantic Region Office.
The Power of Community Connection
Frances Shoenfield, who lives in the neighborhood next to the Mid-Atlantic Region Office, first noticed the food pantry when she saw a long line of cars one day. “We were wondering, what is that?” she recalled. “So we walked over and we found out it was a food bank. We were very blown away that there were so many cars in this area waiting for food. So we came over and we started talking to the people here, and then we decided to volunteer.”
Now, every Friday from 10 AM to 2 PM, Shoenfield volunteers on-site to help distribute food. “It’s one of the most gratifying things I could do! Sometimes, I feel I get more out of this than the people getting the food,” she said.
Her husband, Mark Shoenfield, volunteers alongside her and shares the same sentiment. “Because we have the time and the energy, we feel this is the right way to be a citizen of the world and give something back.”
To be involved with a wonderful group of people that are doing something so worthwhile is enriching.
Different Languages, Shared Intention
Once a Tzu Chi care recipient herself, Hispanic volunteer Milady Heredi chose to return as a volunteer three years ago. “If I receive something, I have to give to others,” she said with a shy smile. “I speak a little English and I can translate for the Spanish people who come here to seek help, mainly food in the food pantry. That’s why I am very happy to help here. Thank you for the opportunity to be a volunteer.”
Another volunteer, Chingching Wei, who joined in 2018, also stated her firm commitment to assist the community. “Even after experiencing the pandemic, my heart to help others has never changed,” she said.
“The food pantry gives me the chance to connect with people from different ethnic backgrounds. They may seem to be well off, but many of them actually need support,” said Hsiumei Yang, who has been involved since day one and speaks from experience. “I look forward to coming here every Friday, because seeing smiles and giving back makes me happy.”
Keeping the Love Flowing
For 15 years, Tzu Chi USA Mid-Atlantic Region’s food pantry program has delivered not just food but also care and hope. “Though it’s hard work, our hearts are filled with joy,” volunteer Sam Chou reflected. “We hope to keep serving those in need, and we hope more young people will join us in the future to keep this love flowing.”
Familiar figures can be seen outside the Mid-Atlantic Region Office every Friday, moving supplies, smiling, and waving. The conviction in their hearts has become a gentle force that continues to warm this neighborhood.
Fifteen years mark the passage of time and also the accumulation of love. From the first day when no one showed up to today’s steady stream of cars, the food pantry has become more than a distribution site; it is a spiritual haven for the New Jersey community. May this cycle of love continue to spread every Friday, bringing more smiles and hope.
With your love and care, Tzu Chi USA Mid-Atlantic Region can continue providing food, care, and hope through its food pantry and other community programs that support families in need.
