As winter approaches in the southern hemisphere, Tzu Chi volunteers in Chile have started relief distributions and delivered a truckload of supplies. They were joined by teachers and students from the school.

Tzu Chi volunteers all over the world are actively engaged in serving their communities. In Chile in South America, the volunteers conducted their second round of relief distribution at Colegio San Gregorio de la Salle in La Granja, in Santiago, the capital, on May 28, Sunday. The team of 27 volunteers not only provided food supplies but also prepared warm clothing for underprivileged students.

Serving Those in Need

Maxi, a 12th-grade student, participates in distribution work at a hot meal supply station every Tuesday. He also comes in the morning to assist with unloading and distribution. He said: "It is crucial to continue helping those who are truly in need."

Father Francisco arrived at the Tzu Chi community distribution center at 10 o’clock in the morning to provide companionship. Despite his aging feet being weak, he insisted on standing throughout the entire process and assisted in the distribution.

Katherine took on the responsibility of checking signatures, even though her hands and feet were in severe pain and swollen. Whenever there was a slight improvement, she came forward to lend a hand.

The volunteers at the hot meal supply station willingly undertook the task of fundraising with love and compassion.

Bringing Warmth to Winter

Two years ago, Alejandro took the wrong path and ended up estranged from his family, who abandoned him. With the assistance of social worker Elsa, he found a job at a furniture factory. Currently, he lives alone in a rented place; but starting from scratch is challenging. As the harsh weather of winter approaches, he is in desperate need of warm winter clothes. Volunteer Qing-jiu Liao (廖欽久) generously donated two jackets from his own home to help Alejandro embark on a new and warm chapter in his life. Alejandro gratefully thanked him: "Thank you, thank you for everything you have done for me."

Kind Thoughts Arise at All Times

Tzu Chi volunteer Ying-ling Yang (楊櫻玲) created a signboard with a Jing Si Aphorism, "Kind thoughts arise at all times, and wisdom grows with each passing day." The intention behind this was to help those receiving the supplies to understand that these provisions arrived thanks to the compassion of the public. It aimed to inspire them to cultivate kindness and contribute a portion of their pocket money to help other people and so encourage the habit of giving from the heart.

Join Tzu Chi. Let us deliver love to the homes of those in need.

Story by  Qing-jiu Liao and Fernanda Wu from Chile