Under the leadership and call of the BLIA Chicago Young Adult Division (YAD), 13 members and volunteers stepped into the community to participate in the “Feed My Starving Children” (FMSC) initiative. The group traveled to the FMSC facility in Aurora, a western suburb of Chicago, to assist in packing nutritional meal kits, putting the spirit of compassion into direct action to help hungry children worldwide.
Founded in 1987, FMSC is a Christian non-profit organization dedicated to providing nutritious meals to children in impoverished regions globally. On the day of the event, nearly 90 participants—including families and individuals from Catholic, Christian, and various other faith backgrounds and community groups—worked side-by-side. Regardless of age, race, religion, or background, everyone joined forces to contribute love and bring hope to the world.
Before the activity began, the BLIA volunteers gathered at the temple to recite “A Prayer for Volunteers” by the FGS founder, Venerable Master Hsing Yun. Venerable Miao Wei provided a Dharma talk, encouraging the group to embody the Buddha’s spirit of compassion, to learn through service, and to grow through contribution. She emphasized the power of “collective creativity” and teamwork in spreading love and care to those in need.
Upon arriving at FMSC, the participants attended a briefing to understand the organization’s mission, operational procedures, and hygiene standards. After donning hairnets and gloves, the volunteers moved to the packing area. Working seamlessly together, the FGS members efficiently handled various tasks: pouring ingredients, weighing, sealing, and boxing the meals. The staff regularly replenished supplies and offered encouragement, creating a warm and joyful atmosphere. Accompanied by upbeat music, many worked to the rhythm, including individuals with disabilities in wheelchairs who remained deeply focused. Their dedication vividly demonstrated the Bodhisattva spirit of “feeling others’ hunger as one’s own.”
At the end of the session, the group helped clean the work area and participated in a brief prayer of gratitude. The organizers announced that the afternoon shift completed 125 boxes of nutritional meals—equivalent to 27,000 servings—which will be sent worldwide to aid hungry children. The announcement was met with enthusiastic applause, marking a joyful conclusion to the day.
Zhong-Xiu Duan from the English Subchapter and former First Subchapter President Ying-Xue Liu both expressed that contributing in such a selfless, collaborative environment was a rare and valuable experience, expressing their hope to participate again. Superintendent Mai-Ping Chou also praised the rigorous and efficient workflow at FMSC as a model for BLIA to learn from, encouraging more of such activities in the future to engage with society and benefit the public.