Magnolia School is a public school for children with intellectual disabilities, with 18 classes and 91 students. It’s located in the same county as the Tzu Chi Foundation, making it part of our community. We decided to visit the school before the end of the winter Christmas and New Year holidays to show our care and distribute Christmas gifts to each student. After more than a month of preparation, planning, contacting, and arranging, the charity team had prepared a list in advance, including the class, teacher, classroom, student names, and the gifts each student desired. Therefore, purchasing the gifts required careful and patient selection. The Tzu Chi members gathered at the foundation and lovingly wrapped each of the 91 gifts, attaching a small card with each student’s name, and then placing them into gift bags for different classes. Everyone was very careful, afraid of making a mistake. Finally, everyone happily took photos with the wrapped gifts.
On Thursday, December 18th, ten volunteers signed up to participate in the gift distribution activity. Since the school scheduled the activity to begin at noon, we gathered in the parking lot at 11:45 AM, and all Tzu Chi volunteers entered and exited together. Principal Sally led us to the auditorium to distribute the gifts. Teachers from each class led their children into the auditorium. Judging from the children’s expressions, they were clearly not ordinary children; some were even in wheelchairs. Each child needed assistance from school staff to receive their gift after hearing their name called. The teachers taught the children to say “thank you,” but the children had difficulty pronouncing it. Some children were overjoyed when they opened their gifts, even letting out screams of delight. The volunteers took turns holding the gifts with both hands and offering their blessings. We were particularly moved by the older children; each of them had made their own thank-you cards, which they gave to the volunteers after receiving their gifts, expressing their heartfelt gratitude. They also took a group photo with all the volunteers.
The distribution of the relief supplies was completed quickly, taking only one hour. Principal Sally, on behalf of the entire school community, presented a giant handmade thank-you card, which was received by Sister Su Su from the Tzu Chi Orlando branch. Everyone left amidst heartfelt blessings. The volunteers who drove two hours to attend said that seeing the children’s beaming smiles made the trip well worthwhile. This truly embodies the spirit of Tzu Chi’s compassion. Thank you for this opportunity!
The Tzu Chi Orlando chapter is a local branch of the Tzu Chi Foundation, a global Buddhist-inspired non-profit organization focused on charity, medical care, education, and environmental protection. The Orlando Service Center is located at Orlando West Chinatown and coordinates local volunteer activities, community outreach, and disaster relief efforts in the region.
Tzu Chi Foundation Orlando Service
Office address: 5062 West Colonial Drive, Suite 140, Orlando, FL 32808
Office opening hours: 10:00 am – 2:00 pm Monday, Saturday, and Sunday
