By San Jose, California USA News Group (Originally in English)
Participating in helping those less fortunate during the cold season as requested by Master, on December 14, 2013, our San Jose Center from California, USA, organized a winter relief event. Similar to last year’s effort, we reached out to approximately 450 disadvantaged individuals along the Coyote Creek and at The Salvation Army’s downtown San Jose Temple Corps Community Center. As the weather was unusually cold, we distributed many items to help people stay warm such as tents, sleeping bags, winter jackets, socks, hats and mittens, and served a warm vegan meal as well, using the total fund of US$11,569 contributed by our Association members, with reimbursement available from Master’s fund.
Along the Coyote Creek, many homeless friends who were living there expressed appreciation and smiled joyfully when they received the supplies. A young man asked for socks and sat down to put them on right away. At the Community Center, a warm vegan meal prepared by our kitchen team and five local vegan restaurants managed by our Association members was served. Winter jackets, along with other relief items, were also distributed. The volunteers and staff were very thankful for the gifts and said the food was very delicious. A lady who received stuffed animals as her Christmas present requested a photo to be taken in front of the Christmas tree, her brilliant smile showing her happiness.
Sharing love is the best way to celebrate the holiday season! Our Association members felt very grateful for participating in this relief project.
Expenditures by The Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association
for Winter Relief Work in San Jose, California, USA
Description | Amount (USD) | Receipt |
---|---|---|
200 sleeping bags, 10 tents, 280 jackets, 450 hats, 450 gloves, 450 socks and 10 thermals | 9,036.77 | A |
Vegan food and beverages | 2,532.38 | B |
Total | US$11,569.15 |