DDYP in New York Joins Social Service Held by Food Bank For New York City, Giving Warmth to those in Need

On November 18^th from 10:45 am to 1:00 pm (EST), eight volunteers from Dharma Drum for Young People (DDYP) in New York participated in a social service event held by Food Bank For New York City at Lehman Community Center in East Harlem, New York. During the event, the volunteers worked together to help the on-site staff pack and distribute food to local senior citizens, low-income earners, and homeless people, to give warmth to the people in need during the traditional Thanksgiving holiday in the United States. 

The nonprofit social service organization Food Bank For New York City has been operating in New York for over forty years. Food Bank For New York City has long been collaborating with renowned enterprises, encouraging organizations and individuals to donate food and other supplies, as well as aid those who have difficulties in obtaining food. Lamont Wray Jr., Director of the Food Bank, expressed gratitude to DDYP for their participation in the social service event. Meanwhile, he appealed to the public for more recognition, attention, and support for the operation of the Food Bank, thereby contributing more force to eliminate hunger and poverty.

Connie Qi came all the way from New Jersey to participate in the Food Bank's the social service event for the second time. She mentioned how, through this event, she realized that there are still many people who are experiencing difficulties in society, and are in urgent need of our loving care and support. Connie hopes that her children will have the opportunity to take part in social service events as such in the future, and learn to be grateful and dedicated. 

DDYP volunteers stated that they were very grateful for the chance to participate in this service. Through distributing food and blessing to the people who receive the supplies with a smile, the volunteers were also emulating the compassion and wisdom of the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas. They did so by providing support and comfort to those in need with a mind of respect and equality and transforming their aspiration of benefiting others into practical actions.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, Chan Meditation Center (CMC) has made regular donations to the Food Bank through its Winter Relief project at the end of each year, praying that the world can be free of wars, diseases, and famine, and all sentient beings can be liberated from suffering and attain happiness.



Text: Amanda Yeung
Photos: Frances Wu, Paul Yin
Translation: Siang-ling Li
Editing: Keith Brown, YKL