Education is a cornerstone for societal progress and a vital pathway for children from disadvantaged backgrounds to transform their lives. Recognizing this, Tzu Chi volunteers in Texas have partnered with local schools since 2008 to implement the “Happy Campus” project, providing essential school supplies and winter clothing to students in need.

“Since starting the Happy Campus project, I feel very happy because I see how much others lack,” shared Julienne Chi (林華音), Deputy CEO of Tzu Chi’s Texas chapter, during a visit on August 25. “We seem to have everything we need, most of which we can buy. So, being able to help these families and provide some of what they need truly makes my heart happier.”

In Texas, while some children have abundant resources, others come from families struggling to make ends meet. After paying tuition, there is often little left to purchase notebooks, art supplies, or warm coats. For these families, the assistance provided through the “Happy Campus” project is profoundly meaningful.

Nurturing dreams through support

Douglas Smith Elementary School, located in the Alief ISD in Houston, is one of the beneficiaries of the project. Principal Shawn Verow expressed deep gratitude for the community support.

This help is not only beneficial to families but also a great support to our faculty and staff. Parents feel a stronger connection and trust with the school due to the community’s assistance. Therefore, we express our sincere gratitude for your support.
—Principal Shawn Verow, Douglas Smith Elementary School

With this backing, the school has been able to focus on its educational mission. Principal Verow happily noted, “Our academic rating has already improved by one grade, according to our estimates. We are thrilled with these achievements and look forward to continued growth this year and celebrating more results next year.”

Brenda Baldesi, District Supervisor for Landis Elementary School, also highlighted the project’s significance for students, parents, and teachers. “Our hearts are filled with gratitude because we are very thankful for everything you have provided, allowing the children to learn,” she stated.

She further explained the impact: “Each grade level receives ten supply kits, containing all the items on the school’s list. This alleviates the burden on parents, who no longer need to gather all these items themselves. It also helps teachers, as they receive the materials they might not otherwise have access to. This project benefits parents, teachers, and ultimately helps students succeed in their learning.” Supervisor Baldesi expressed profound appreciation for this collaboration, which positively impacts three key areas: families, teachers, and students.

A legacy of giving

Volunteers are delighted to see the schools thrive. The school supplies distributed this year were carefully procured by volunteers and then packed by participants of the “2025 Tzu Chi USA Youth Leadership Charity Training Camp” in early August. Pen-Chi Liu (劉本琦), Deputy CEO of Tzu Chi’s Texas chapter, commended the youth for their efficiency and organizational skills.

“They organized themselves, thinking through the process and packing methods, which I found quite impressive,” Liu remarked. “It’s not easy for them to be so organized.” She noted that while volunteers had developed similar methods over time, the youth devised an effective system on their first attempt, demonstrating their strong initiative.

Following the pandemic, direct interaction between volunteers and students in schools faced some restrictions. Volunteers adapted by finding new ways to understand students’ family and learning needs. They also extended care to Afghan families with school-aged children, providing them with school supplies. Jennifer An (梁明嬋), a Tzu Chi volunteer, made special efforts to purchase school bags that met specific school requirements and clothing and shoe sizes for these new immigrant children, treating them as her own.

Jennifer An explained, “Because each school has different requirements for school bags, sometimes needing transparent ones, we had to specifically select what they needed.”

Sowing seeds of goodness for the future

Carolyn Chen (陳俐樺), Vice Principal of Tzu Chi Academy Houston and an educator herself, joined the volunteers in their school visits. Witnessing the stark differences between schools due to varying socioeconomic statuses deeply affected her.

“The impact on me was quite significant,” she reflected. “My own children just started school, and we rented a house and moved to a new school district for them. The overall environment and parental involvement there are completely different from what I saw in these two schools.”

This experience led her to a profound self-reflection: how to share this with her students at the Tzu Chi Academy, so they understand their own good fortune and the abundance they possess. She believes that whenever there’s an opportunity, it’s important to give back. This has been her deepest feeling while working on the “Happy Campus” project.

The joy on the children’s faces as they received their supplies made the volunteers forget the efforts involved in procurement and distribution, instead filling them with the happiness that comes from giving. With the recent influx of Asian, Pakistani, and Indian immigrants, Tzu Chi’s charitable footprint and reach in Texas continue to expand.

The “Happy Campus” project not only provides children with a sense of care and warmth but also strengthens the connections between families, schools, and the wider community. Tzu Chi volunteers in Texas remain committed to sowing seeds of goodness, accompanying more children on their path toward a hopeful and bright future.

Written by Hsiu-Lien Chu (朱秀蓮)

Translated by Mindy Chen (陳敏理)