Uniting for Compassion: The Holy Miracles Temple and Charities Collaborate to Aid Pasadena Community

Volunteers from the Holy Miracles Temple and Sanger Mission made donations to Friends In Deed

“Joining Hands for a Good Cause, Warming Hearts” is a charity donation initiative consistently upheld by Holy Miracles Temple and Jen Chen Buddhism Sanger Mission. For many years, these two organizations have been committed to community welfare through charitable acts. This time, they have partnered with two local non-profit organizations in Pasadena—Friends In Deed and Union Station Homeless Services (USHS)—to support the donation of goods, aiming to bring warmth, hope, and essential supplies to those in need.

The donation drive, which is focused on assisting the clients of local non-profit organizations, is a significant effort to meet the most immediate needs of vulnerable populations. Friends In Deed and USHS serve individuals and families facing financial hardship, homelessness, and food insecurity. To ensure they address the most urgent needs, the organizers worked closely with these organizations to confirm the specific items required. As a result, the initiative has provided a variety of essential goods, including high-protein foods such as meat, legumes, and dairy, non-perishable items like rice, flour, and canned foods, as well as children’s and infant products such as diapers and formula milk. Additionally, hygiene products like soap, toothpaste, and toilet paper were included in the donation.

Volunteers from the Holy Miracles Temple and Sanger Mission made donations to Union Station Homeless Services.

A total of 3,744 food items and 1,325 general goods were successfully provided, helping to alleviate some of the challenges faced by the local non-profit organizations. These items play an important role in improving the daily lives of the community members served by Friends In Deed and USHS, ensuring they have access to basic necessities that might otherwise be out of reach.

Representatives from Holy Miracles Temple emphasized that Buddhism places great importance on compassion, and helping others is one of the core principles of their teachings. Through this collaboration, the Temple has expanded its team of good deeds, hoping to inspire others to take part in charitable actions that bring tangible benefits to those in need. The effort to bring relief to underprivileged communities reflects Buddhist ideals of compassion and altruism, aiming to provide substantial assistance and comfort to those who may be struggling.

Tim Nistler, the project director at the Friends In Deed food distribution center, expressed his heartfelt gratitude for the donation drive initiated by Holy Miracles Temple and Sanger Mission. He noted that community support is essential for their ongoing efforts to provide food assistance to hundreds of families each week. Through their services, families are able to choose their groceries, allowing them to select food that best suits their needs. The organization’s motto, “Together we can do what we cannot do alone,” emphasizes the importance of collective action and underscores the core values of compassion and dignity. These values align closely with the Buddhist principles of great compassion and altruism, reinforcing the deep connection between the two organizations’ missions.

David Sensente, a departmental manager at USHS, shared that since January, USHS in Pasadena has been assisting local residents affected by the Southern California wildfires. Each week, they distribute supplies to those still in need of assistance. The resources donated as part of this initiative are expected to directly benefit homeless individuals and low-income families, providing them with the necessary items to improve their living conditions. David highlighted that the ongoing collaboration with Holy Miracles Temple and other partners helps ensure that vulnerable populations continue to receive much-needed support.

Holy Miracles Temple has long been dedicated to promoting the philosophy of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III, which emphasizes the importance of alleviating suffering and benefiting the public. While encouraging people to practice Buddhism to seek liberation, the Temple has been actively involved in various community welfare initiatives. Through their work with local organizations, they have made significant contributions to charitable activities aimed at improving the lives of those in need. The collaboration with Friends In Deed and USHS is a perfect example of how cross-sector partnerships can bring meaningful change to the community.

This joint effort not only provides valuable aid to those who are less fortunate but also serves as a reminder of the power of cooperation and the importance of caring for others. The continued partnership between these organizations shows that by joining forces, individuals and groups can make a significant difference in the lives of others. It is a testament to the enduring power of compassion and the ability to bring warmth and hope to the world, one act of kindness at a time.

Published by Anne C.