On July 16, 2025, at 7:00 PM, members of the AYLUS Morris Branch partnered with Helping Hands to participate in the Share Summer 2025 donation drive, a heartfelt community initiative aimed at providing essential summer items to children and families in need. With compassion and dedication, our team collected 10 bottles of summer sunscreen, 10 swimsuits, and 62 pieces of gently used summer clothing for both girls and boys. These items were thoughtfully gathered through neighborhood outreach, family contributions, and friend networks to ensure that every donation would make a meaningful difference. The collected items were dropped off at the Chatham Presbyterian Church, a central location for the Share Summer initiative.
Partnering with Helping Hands gave us a chance to connect with a respected local organization that shares our mission of service and youth leadership. The Share Summer drive reflects AYLUS’s commitment to giving back and supporting the wellbeing of children, especially during the warm months when having appropriate clothing and sun protection is essential. For many of the recipients, these items represent more than just material support—they offer a sense of inclusion and joy during the summer season.
The experience also helped strengthen the bonds between our members, as we worked together to organize and prepare the donations. It served as a powerful reminder of how small efforts, when combined, can have a big impact on the lives of others. We were warmly welcomed at the church, where volunteers expressed their gratitude and highlighted the importance of continued collaboration. The AYLUS Morris Branch is proud to have played a role in this initiative and looks forward to future opportunities to serve our community with kindness, leadership, and heart. Together, we continue to make a positive difference—one donation at a time.
Volunteers:
2 hours: Xiang Li, Kelly Nie, Han Li, Shirley Nie, Emma Bai, Ivy Bai
1 hour: William Liu
Poster design and drawing 1 hour: Kelly Nie
Advisors:
Xue Gu
Linna Wang