In celebration of Father’s Day, members of the AYLUS Morris Branch proudly partnered with the local nonprofit organization, Helping Hands, to give back to the community and show appreciation for fathers in need. Recognizing that not all families have the means to celebrate special occasions, the volunteers at AYLUS came together with compassion and enthusiasm to make a difference. Over the course of several days, members reached out to neighbors, friends, and local businesses to collect meaningful gifts such as shaving kits, snacks, socks, hand-written cards, and personal care items. These thoughtful donations were carefully sorted and assembled into Father’s Day gift baskets designed to bring joy and dignity to fathers from lower-income households.
The project culminated in a community service event where AYLUS volunteers gathered to fill and decorate the baskets with care and creativity. Laughter and teamwork filled the room as students worked side by side to ensure that every basket felt personal and heartfelt. On the afternoon of June 7th at 2:00 PM, AYLUS Morris Branch members delivered the completed gift baskets to the Helping Hands organization for distribution to local shelters, support centers, and individual families across Morris County. Each delivery was met with gratitude and smiles, reminding both the givers and recipients of the shared power of kindness and community.
This meaningful experience not only honored the hardworking fathers in the community but also allowed AYLUS members to grow as empathetic and active citizens. By turning their appreciation into action, the volunteers helped spread happiness and hope on a day that holds deep emotional meaning. The partnership with Helping Hands exemplified the values of service, compassion, and inclusivity that AYLUS stands for. Through small acts of giving, the Morris Branch volunteers made a big impact—one basket, one family, and one smile at a time.
Volunteers:
2 hours: Xiang Li, Kelly Nie, Han Li, Shirley Nie
1 hour poster design and drawing: Ivy Bai
Advisors:
Xue Gu
Linna Wang