On the eve of Thanksgiving, the temple and BLIA chapter prepared gift baskets and cards to express gratitude to local law enforcement and first responders.

On the eve of Thanksgiving, the temple and BLIA chapter prepared gift baskets and cards to express gratitude to local law enforcement and first responders.

Teacher Lauren Pittelli guided the children in making thank-you cards, which were presented to the police officers by Ferdinand Feng on behalf of the group.

Police officers led a tour of the station, giving both adults and children a firsthand look at the vital work of protecting our community.

3G students and Buddha's Light youth gathered around a police cruiser, curiously observing the sirens and the various equipment inside.

Firefighters introduced the team to their fire engines and rescue gear, explaining their daily training routines and emergency response procedures.

The open house allowed everyone to climb aboard the fire truck to experience the working environment of a firefighter!

YAD members Bea and Jacob Herkos sat in the fire engine, role-playing an emergency dispatch scenario.

A firefighter explained the oxygen mask equipment used in firefighting and showed the children how to read the pressure gauges.

 

在美國感恩節前夕，佛光山芝加哥禪淨中心與國際佛光會芝加哥協會特別安排關懷活動，由英文分會會長Lauren Pittelli率領佛光三好學員、家長與佛光青年，一行10人前往Woodridge市警察局與消防局，致贈由孩子們親手製作的祝福卡片與感恩節禮籃，向第一線維安與救災人員表達最誠摯的謝意。
　　在Woodridge市警察局，警長Alec Sander親自接待並接受禮籃。他帶領學員參觀警局、示範警用設備，並介紹不同功能的警車。孩子們對警笛聲響、車內器材充滿好奇，踴躍提問，現場氣氛輕鬆活潑。Sander多次感謝大家的心意，並肯定佛光會推廣善行的精神。
　　在消防局，消防人員接過禮籃與祝福卡後，隨即帶領團隊參觀消防車與救援器材，介紹日常訓練與出勤流程。學員們登上消防車、近距離觀察裝備，充分了解消防員的專業與膽識。正當參觀接近尾聲，消防隊突然接獲緊急出勤通知，消防車伴隨警笛聲迅速駛離，讓孩子們真切感受到消防工作的即時與重要，也為這趟行程留下深刻印象。
　　參與活動的三好學員與佛光青年皆表示，能親自向警察與消防員道謝，是一堂難得的學習與機會。他們不僅看見維安工作者的責任與使命，也感受到彼此之間的尊重與關懷。
　　Lauren Pittelli表示，佛光會長期推動三好運動與社區服務，希望孩子們從付出中學習感恩，並將善念帶給更多人。她也誠摯邀請警消人員未來參加芝加哥禪淨中心的農曆新年與佛誕節Open House，共同連結社區情誼。