Hsi Lai Temple and BLIA Los Angeles Support Military Families with Food Drive

Fo Guang Shan Hsi Lai Temple
August 27, 2025

Fo Guang Shan Hsi Lai Temple and the Buddha’s Light International Association (BLIA) Los Angeles Chapter joined forces with the nonprofit Making Spirits Bright to support its “Feeding Military Families” program. Over a seven-week campaign, volunteers collected several thousand pounds of food and daily necessities. On August 23, Making Spirits Bright dispatched a truck to the Hsi Lai Center to pick up the donations, which were then delivered to Army, Navy, and Air Force bases for military families in need.

Venerable Zhiqian, representing Hsi Lai Center, was on site to show support. He emphasized that lending a hand whenever others are in need reflects the spirit of Fo Guang Shan’s Founding Master, Venerable Master Hsing Yun, who encouraged Buddhists to be “uninvited helpers”—offering help without waiting to be asked.

Diamond Bar Mayor Chia Yu Teng, along with his wife Theresa Lee and son Felix Teng, long-time volunteers with Making Spirits Bright, also attended the event. Mayor Teng expressed gratitude for the collaboration with Hsi Lai Temple and BLIA Los Angeles in serving grassroots military families. He noted, “Think good thoughts, doing good deeds, and serving others is a joyful thing.”

Mayor Teng added that while many assume U.S. military families enjoy full benefits, the reality is different. Many enlisted personnel, especially new recruits, earn modest salaries and struggle financially. He explained that donations focus on non-perishable goods based on actual base needs: “Fresh produce is difficult to distribute because storage facilities often lack refrigeration. That’s why canned goods and vacuum-packed foods are essential.” While  communities in America have easier access to fresh produce and restaurants, units stationed in remote desert areas face limited resources, making food assistance even more critical.

BLIA Los Angeles Chapter President Echo Tsai said she was pleased that the drive allowed BLIA members to reach into the community and extend care to military families. She also commended Vice President Avelyn Busch, who served as event coordinator, for her meticulous planning that ensured the success of the food drive.

In total, 14 pallets of supplies were collected, including 3,850 pounds of rice, 1,250 cans of food, noodles, pasta sauce, diapers, baby wipes, cookies, cereal, peanut butter, toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap, shaving supplies, cooking oil, sugar, and pancake mix. On August 16, members from BLIA Rosemead, Hsi Lai, Rowland Heights I & II subchapters sorted donations, checked expiration dates, packed, and labeled supplies. On August 23, members also assisted in loading the truck.