By Hsun-Yuan Huang, Hui-Lin Lee, Shu-Chih Yang | Taichung 

Early morning brought three bouts of heavy downpours, refreshing the air and easing the oppressive summer heat. It was the third day of the "2024 Life Maker Youth Camp," and the focus was on social engagement. 

At the Tzu Chi Dongda Recycling Station in Taichung, the volunteers had prepared unclassified recyclables, various plastic bottles, and assorted plastic bags, inviting the young participants to join hands and engage in environmental protection. 

Hands-on Environmental Action for a Better Earth 

 "Reach out your hands and love our planet. Follow me!" Tzu Chi volunteer Shu-Ling Huang shared with a friendly tone, encouraging everyone to participate with the promise of a small reward for getting it right. Yi-Da Chen, a sophomore at National Chin-Yi University of Technology, successfully completed the task and happily received a small gift. 

The participants then moved on to the first recycling station, where they carefully sorted the unclassified items, paying close attention to properly place each category. Understanding the sequence of each step, Yi-Da worked swiftly. 

During the camp sessions, the young people learned about the environmental crisis facing the Earth, hearing how pollution is leading to a looming disaster. Seeing the vast number of plastic bottles and recyclables, they realized that the recycling volunteers' efforts, though diligent, were still outpaced by waste production. This motivated them to act, believing their efforts could help make the planet better. 

Outside of camp, Yi-Da works as a delivery driver, often braving the elements, so he’s quite accustomed to the current hot climate. After the rain cooled the night, he noted that the temperature felt more comfortable, frequently saying, “It’s not too hot. There’s a fan blowing.” 

Having struggled with communication in the past, Yi-Da shared, "Through participating in this camp, I’ve had the chance to improve my leadership and communication skills. I hope to break out of my comfort zone and connect with others." His steady emotional control stems from a challenging upbringing and witnessing a friend take a wrong path in life, experiences that have made him more aware of the harsh realities of the world. 

Yi-Da aims to maintain a kind heart, and once he’s capable, he hopes to give back to society. For now, he balances work and studies, participating in the camp with a fervent desire to learn. 

Mutual Support: Helping Neighbors and Family Alike 

As Taiwan’s population ages, the need for assistive devices grows. Tzu Chi volunteer Kuan-Hui Li explained to the participants that the idea to establish a recycling center for assistive devices came from witnessing a mother who visited the Dongda campus twice, seeking a high-back wheelchair for her child. The volunteers were deeply moved and committed to creating a center to provide assistive devices to those in need. 

There was a time when a sudden request came in for a hospital bed to be delivered to a home for palliative care. The volunteers managed to deliver the bed within two hours. Though the patient passed away just three days later, the volunteers felt comforted knowing they had provided timely assistance, helping the patient spend their final days in comfort. 

Recycled assistive devices must undergo thorough cleaning, repairs, and part replacements. As Master Cheng Yen has said, when giving something to others, it should be the best. Therefore, every recycled assistive device sent out must be as if it’s something we would use ourselves. 

At the assistive device center, there are three stations: "cleaning and sanitizing," "repairing," and "air mattress testing and sanitizing." For many participants, assistive devices were unfamiliar territory. With guidance from the volunteers, they learned, for example, that before washing an electric hospital bed, the power unit must be covered to prevent water damage. Volunteers provided hands-on instructions, helping participants become more proficient. Despite the stifling heat, even with fans blowing, everyone was drenched in sweat. 

Student Ping-Yu Guo shared that by actively participating, he could fully immerse himself in the experience, contributing his effort to help those in need. "Being involved firsthand is much more fulfilling than just listening to others talk. It’s rewarding to give your energy to make someone else happy. When those in need receive our blessings, it makes them, and us, truly joyful." 

  Zong-Xin Zhai, who participated in cleaning and sanitizing, noted how organized and detailed the volunteer’s instructions were, making the work meaningful. "When cleaning these assistive devices, I think of it as preparing something for my own family to use. It’s a job with great significance. If I ever need help when I’m older, I hope there will be others to assist, just like this generation is helping the previous." 

Delivering Assistive Devices: Sharing Love and Compassion 

Another group of participants accompanied volunteer Chang-Xian Li to deliver assistive devices to those in need. Before setting out, Li carefully explained how to handle the devices, pointing out that certain features, like the use of a high-back wheelchair or a four-legged cane, required special attention. He also emphasized the importance of teaching users how to operate the devices. 

Through these hands-on activities, the youth better understood the operation of the assistive device center, which sparked their compassion and taught them the value of giving and gratitude. On this occasion, there were two households in need of assistive devices. The first needed two wheelchairs, and the second required a hospital bed, a commode, and a table. Both homes were on the second floor, so the young volunteers had to work together to carry the items up narrow staircases and collect the old devices for recycling. 

Camp counselor Bing-Han Wu reflected, "Even though we were strangers to the families, we felt a deep connection, like we were all part of one family." 

The second household they visited happened to be the home of a Tzu Chi volunteer. After witnessing the youth's dedication to service, she shared, "I’m deeply moved. It’s truly an honor and a joy to see students today participating in volunteer work. I’m so touched that you helped deliver a hospital bed for my husband, along with other necessary items. I’m incredibly grateful." 

Hong-Lin Liu, one of the students who helped deliver the devices, also shared his thoughts. After listening to the explanation, he realized that the volunteers are completely dedicated to serving strangers, which deepened his understanding of the concept of "Great Love." "When delivering the devices, I felt a sense of gratitude and appreciation. As we finished, the family kept expressing their thanks, making me feel that this service is truly meaningful." 

Bo-Ya Zhang, a graduate student from National Taipei University and the oldest participant in the camp, joined to learn more about Tzu Chi. "I’ve always heard about Tzu Chi from others, but it’s not the same as experiencing it yourself. I love it here because I’ve met so many wonderful people and felt the boundless love of Tzu Chi. If I’m fortunate enough, I hope to be a benefactor to others—it’s a beautiful philosophy." 

Xin-Yu Liu participated in the repair and sanitization work. She was moved by how the volunteers restored each recycled device with such care and love, making them look like new. "If I received one of these assistive devices, I’d be so happy." During the cleaning process, she noticed how much more meticulous the volunteers were compared to when she cleaned at home. She felt the volunteers genuinely poured their love into every device, ensuring that those receiving them would be overjoyed. 

These young volunteers dedicated their summer to serving the community. By engaging in environmental activities, they learned the importance of resource recycling. After refurbishing the assistive devices, they sent out love and happiness, returning with hearts full of fulfillment.