On the second Sunday of every month, Tzu Shaos (Tzu Chi high school volunteers) from Atlanta make the 40-minute journey to Magnolia Senior Living in Sugar Hill for a special visit. Even though their April 13 appointment fell during spring break, a time for rest and travel, a dedicated group of young volunteers arrived as promised, ready to fill the residence with energy and joy. For many of them, these visits have become a cherished routine, and the warm greetings they receive from the residents make them feel like family.

"Some of the seniors gave me hugs and asked me how I've been and where I've been lately," shared Fiona Qi, a Tzu Shao member. "It's always so warming to be remembered and welcomed. This year has gone by so fast, and I feel so fortunate to have built so many deep connections with the residents at Magnolia Senior Living."

The Details of Caring

The visit began with lunch service. The youth split into two teams, one for each floor, and moved with a practiced ease that comes from experience. They took orders, served meals, and paid close attention to the small details that make a difference. They noticed new menu items—tomato soup and fruit punch—and made sure to offer them to the residents.

These small acts of attentiveness often reveal deeper lessons. "One resident needed their meal heated to be extra hot, perhaps for health reasons," recalled Shuxi Yuan (袁澍西). "While microwaving it again was a small task for us, it made a significant difference for them. Moments like these remind me that even the simplest actions can have a profound impact." From noticing when a resident was finished eating to helping them from their chairs, the growth of the young volunteers from hesitant helpers to proactive caregivers was clear to see.

A Showcase of Talents and Celebration

After lunch came the most anticipated part of the day: the talent show. The youth helped residents move to the main hall, which quickly filled with an eager audience. Hosted by Fiona Qi, the show featured a variety of performances. Luoting Hong (洪珞庭) played the cello, Vincent Lane (董瀚睿) the trumpet, and Noel Baskin (許灝蒙) the clarinet. Linlin Zheng (鄭琳琳) and Chenye Wang (王晨瞱) performed on the violin, and a parent, Chiu-Hung Nai (乃秋紅), delighted everyone with two different styles of dance.

The performances were followed by a birthday celebration for two residents with April birthdays. With Vincent on the piano, everyone sang "Happy Birthday" first in English and then in Chinese. Volunteers presented the seniors with handmade origami butterflies as gifts. The day concluded with a group photo, and the youth carefully escorted the residents back to their rooms, promising to see them again next month.

Reflections of a Younger Generation

For the young volunteers, these visits are as enriching for them as they are for the residents. "What impressed me the most was seeing so many new faces," said Vincent Lane. "Even though I hadn't met them before, their smiles as we helped them with their meals were incredibly heartwarming. That feeling of connection is deeply ingrained in me. I feel so fulfilled."

The experience has become a meaningful part of their lives. "I feel more and more at ease every time I come here, as if it has become a part of my life," shared Luoting Hong.

For Linlin Zheng, the visit stirred personal memories. "Seeing the gentle, kind seniors smile because of our visit warmed my heart and made me think about caring for them here," she reflected. "This feeling ignited empathy and light within me, and it also reminded me of the time I cared for my grandmother in another long-term care facility. Caring for seniors in need always brings back those bittersweet, warm memories."

Through these simple, consistent acts of service, the youth are learning the value of persistence, the importance of teamwork, and the profound joy that comes from giving. They are not just serving lunch or putting on a show; they are building bridges between generations and creating a community of care and respect.

Written by Charlie Sun (孫嘉蒞)

Source: 亞特蘭大慈少月度之約 訪視木蘭老人之家