The AYLUS Morris Branch partnered with the Helping Hands nonprofit organization to support families in need during the holiday season through a meaningful community donation initiative. Recognizing the increased need for warmth and essential household items during winter, members organized a local collection drive within surrounding neighborhoods. Through coordinated outreach and community participation, the branch successfully collected a total of 45 donated items, including pillows, bedding, mattress toppers, blankets, pajamas, winter coats, holiday tablecloths, and other seasonal essentials. Each donated piece was intended to provide comfort, warmth, and dignity to individuals and families facing financial hardship.
After the collection phase, AYLUS members gathered to carefully check, sort, and organize all items. Volunteers ensured that every donation was clean, in good condition, and properly categorized according to Helping Hands’ guidelines. This process emphasized responsibility and attention to detail, as members worked together to prepare the donations for immediate use. Teamwork and efficiency played a key role in completing the organization process smoothly and respectfully.
On the morning of December 15, the AYLUS Morris Branch delivered all 45 items to the Helping Hands church donation site. Staff and volunteers at Helping Hands expressed sincere appreciation for the thoughtful and well-organized contributions. These items will be distributed to families and individuals in the community, helping them stay warm, comfortable, and supported throughout the holiday season.
This initiative strengthened the partnership between AYLUS Morris Branch and Helping Hands while reinforcing AYLUS’s mission to empower youth through service and leadership. By addressing both practical needs and emotional well-being, the project demonstrated how community collaboration and compassion can create a meaningful impact, especially during the holidays.
Volunteers:
2 hours: Xiang Li, Kelly Nie, Han Li, Shirley Nie, Ryan Chen, William Liu
Advisors:
Xue Gu
Linna Wang