Volunteers from Dharma Drum for Young People (DDYP) took part in a Food Bank social service event at Mount Hope Playground

On Saturday, November 1, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. EST, eight volunteers from Dharma Drum for Young People (DDYP) took part in a community service event hosted by the Food Bank for New York City at Mount Hope Playground in the Bronx. Under the guidance of on-site staff, the volunteers worked together to carry, pack, and distribute food and daily necessities to residents. This event served over 120 families, including seniors, low-income, and homeless people. As winter is approaching, this act of service brought warmth and care to the community before Thanksgiving.
 
The Food Bank for NYC was founded in 1983 and has a history of more than 40 years, operating more than 800 pantries, mobile pantries, and soup kitchens across the five boroughs. This nonprofit organization partners with corporations, community groups, and individuals to promote food donation, reduce waste, and provide consistent support to those facing food insecurity. Its mission is to build a future that is more hopeful, dignified, and equitable for the public.
 
Food Bank staff warmly welcomed DDYP volunteers and expressed gratitude for their participation. They noted that since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, food demand across New York City has risen sharply, making volunteer engagement and community support more crucial than ever. They also encouraged more people to become aware of hunger issues, get involved in community service, and join hands to eliminate poverty and hunger.
 
DDYP volunteer Nelson W. invited his daughter, Blair, to join this event. He shared that he hopes his children will realize the value of every meal and understand that resources do not come easily, and that the next generation will learn to cherish and be grateful through this experience. Blair also reflected that seeing the number of families struggling with food insecurity shocked her deeply. She found great warmth and joy through assisting the volunteers and serving the community members.
 
DDYP expressed heartfelt appreciation for the opportunity to take part in this service. According to Buddhist teachings, kindness and compassion can offer happiness and alleviate suffering. Through their smiles and blessings, volunteers transformed kindness into concrete action—serving the community with respect, patience, and equality. In the process, they cultivated compassion and wisdom while embodying the spirit of benefiting others while growing oneself. DDYP volunteers also extended their sincere wishes to all those facing hardship, hoping they will overcome their challenges soon.

Chan Meditation Center (CMC) stated that since the COVID-19 pandemic, CMC has made donations to the Food Bank through the Winter Charity project at the end of each year. This year, donations will be collected during the upcoming 2025 Dharma Drum Mountain (DDM) Great Compassionate Water and Land Dharma Ceremony from November 25 to 30, with a wish for a peaceful world free of conflict, disease, and hunger, and the alleviation of suffering for all sentient beings.
 

Article：Amanda Yeung
Photos：Connie Qi, Nelson Wei