In the sunlight of Santa Bárbara, Guatemala, the air still carried the lingering dampness of the rainy season. Earlier in 2025, floodwaters from an overflowing lake had mercilessly rushed into the local villages, submerging agricultural fields and sweeping away the simple but stable lives of the residents. When Tzu Chi volunteers waded through the mud to assess the disaster areas on October 19, they were met with the worried and anxious eyes of families who had lost so much.
Restoring dignity through giving
By the time the distribution day arrived on November 2, 96 affected families from Santa Bárbara had gathered early at the community activity center. Though their homes were damaged, the venue remained quiet and orderly, guided gracefully by the event emcee, Tzu Chi volunteer Sheila.
The city's mayor, Walter Jeréz Ruiz, and his wife led the attendees in contributing to a coin bank, the crisp sound of falling coins resonating in the room. He spoke warmly to the crowd, noting that this gathering was not merely about receiving aid but about recognizing the power of small contributions coming together to help others.
LEFT: The distribution ceremony is solemn and respectful, hosted by Tzu Chi volunteer Sheila. RIGHT: Attendees enthusiastically support the power of small donations. | Photos: Laura Wu
As the distribution began, volunteers, including Erika and Yuan-Yu Chen (陳遠裕), who had brought his entire family to assist, respectfully handed out the supplies. The survivors brought sturdy bags to hold the heavy provisions they received. Each family was given enough food to sustain their household, including 20 pounds of rice, 10 pounds of black beans, 2,900 milliliters of cooking oil, five pounds of sugar, two kilograms of pasta, and a large pack of crackers.
To the volunteers, providing these items is never seen as charity; it is an act of pure giving where the giver feels joy, and the receiver retains their dignity.
LEFT: Locally purchased rice, weighing 20 pounds, is distributed to the families. RIGHT: Thirty-five eco-friendly folding beds are provided to survivors. | Photos: Laura Wu
Roofs and beds for a warmer winter
In the open space outside the activity center, another moving scene was taking place. A total of 645 corrugated iron sheets, generously provided by donor Xing-Yuan Huang (黃星元), gleamed in the sunlight. Measuring 12 feet long each, these sheets would soon serve as the protective roofs for 35 families working to rebuild their homes.
Vice Mayor Gilberto carefully checked the recipient list, personally handing the iron sheets over to the residents. Nearby, women tightly held onto the 35 eco-friendly Jing Si folding beds that had also been distributed.
Tonight, my children finally won't have to sleep on the cold, wet floor.
— A local mother and flood survivor
Watching the city vehicles, fully loaded with iron sheets and essential supplies, slowly drive back toward the affected villages, the volunteers felt a deep sense of relief knowing the families would have a safer place to rest.
LEFT: The mayor (fourth left) personally hands over corrugated iron sheets to the residents. RIGHT: City officials transport relief goods from the Tzu Chi office ahead of the event. | Photos: Laura Wu
A compassionate resonance in Palencia
Around the same time, winter relief distribution also unfolded warmly in the municipality of Palencia. Mayor Alberto stayed engaged throughout the entire event, openly praising the founder of Tzu Chi, Master Cheng Yen.
The Master has transcended religion. Before God, she does not ask what religion we belong to; having compassion and giving without asking for anything in return is what truly matters.— Alberto, Mayor of Palencia
Within the lines of waiting families, a 92-year-old woman, accompanied by her children, tremblingly reached out her hands to accept a bag of sugar gently placed by volunteer Ming Jing (明靜).
LEFT: Mayor Alberto (fifth right) participates throughout the relief event. RIGHT: Every small contribution helps create a larger impact of love. | Photos: Laura Wu
The relief package for the 241 families in Palencia was thoughtfully curated. In addition to 20 pounds of rice, 800 milliliters of oil, 2,500 grams of sugar, two kilograms of assorted pasta, and crackers, the volunteers prepared three packs of nutritional rice cereal—totaling 1,350 grams—specifically selected for the young children and the elderly. Volunteer Ci Mei (慈眉) took the time to softly explain how to properly mix and prepare the rice cereal. This delicate attention to detail allowed the families to briefly forget the harshness of hunger as the cold winter approached.
Hope for a secure future
By November 2025, the rainy season in Guatemala had drawn to a close, but the cold winter was just beginning. Through the two major distributions in Santa Bárbara and Palencia, a total of 337 families found a glimmer of hope amid their hardships.
From the heavy bags of rice to the sturdy 12-foot iron sheets, every item distributed carried a spirit of boundless compassion. The true hope of the volunteers extends far beyond material relief; they wish for this love to translate into strength, helping the survivors restore their homes and finally find a secure, peaceful place to live.
Written by Hsiang-Hui Huang (黃湘卉), Laura Wu (吳慈恬)
