FASCA San Diego: Giving Back to the Community with HECR 聖地牙哥青年文化大使感恩節送溫暖難民家庭

**FASCA-SD members photo with members of HECR. FASCA聖地牙哥分會成員11月27日齊聚 St. Dunstan’s 教堂，參與Helping Empower Community Refugees的感恩節志工服務。**

On November 27, 2024, the San Diego Chapter of Formosa Association of Student Cultural Ambassadors(FASCA-SD) gathered at St. Dunstan’s Church to volunteer with Helping Empower Community Refugees (HECR). This event was especially meaningful as it took place just before Thanksgiving, a time dedicated to gratitude and giving back.

The day began with an introduction by consulting mentor Peggy Han, who shared HECR’s mission of supporting refugees through food distribution, furniture donations, and other essentials. The organization’s values of compassion and service align closely with Taiwanese cultural traditions of spreading warmth and courtesy.

FASCA-SD members eagerly took on their assigned tasks, which included unloading donated food, sorting it into portions based on family sizes, and preparing deliveries for various refugee families around San Diego. The scale of the effort was impressive, with families of varying sizes—including one with 14 members—requiring tailored food packages.

Volunteers worked collaboratively, tackling jobs like carting in fresh produce, packaging vegetables and fruits, and organizing ingredients such as flour, spices, and oil. Despite the heavy workload, the sense of purpose kept spirits high. Each task felt rewarding, knowing it would directly benefit families in need.

Once all the work was done, the team reflected on the day’s experience. Members noted a seemingly daunting task could be accomplished with adaptability, collaboration and pride. They highlighted the satisfaction of contributing to such a productive and impactful event, especially during a season centered on gratitude.

Jason Poliak, the project leader, shared his thoughts: "This event was a meaningful reminder of the importance of teamwork, adaptability, and meaning. At first, it seemed overwhelming, but seeing how everyone came together to make an impact with meaning was truly inspiring. It reinforced the values we hold as FASCA members—serving with dedication and spreading kindness."

This volunteer effort not only strengthened the FASCA-SD members' sense of community, but also provided them with a valuable opportunity to embody their core values of leadership and service. It was a meaningful way to show appreciation for what they have while extending a helping hand to those in need.

The event concluded with a group photo, capturing the smiles of a team united by their commitment to making a difference.

正值感恩節前夕，海外青年文化大使協會聖地牙哥分會 (FASCA-SD) 成員11月27日齊聚 St. Dunstan’s 教堂，參與Helping Empower Community Refugees(HECR)組織的志工服務，提供當地難民家庭援助，為這個感恩與回饋的季節增添溫暖關懷。

諮詢導師韓佩臻當天先介紹HECR的發展背景、資源來源、核心價值與使命，以及透過提供食物、家具等生活必需品，支援當地難民家庭。HECR 的關懷精神與服務理念深深契合臺灣文化「傳遞溫暖」與「以禮相待」的價值觀。

青年文化大使們在任務分配後，便投入各項工作。他們負責搬運捐贈的食物，按不同家庭規模進行分配，並協助將物資送到負責派送的志工手中。令人印象深刻的是，每個難民家庭的規模差異甚大，其中甚至有14人的大家庭需要特別準備所需派送物資。所有青年文化大使賣力分工合作，默契十足，全心投入，因為他們深知這些努力將直接改善許多家庭的生活。

工作結束後，成員們進行活動的總結與反思。青年文化大使們提到，任務雖然繁重，但在迅速適應後，仍能在合作中以最高效率完成，為此他們感到無比自豪。他們也強調，活動充滿生產力與正能量，展現了 FASCA 團隊的凝聚力與行動。在感恩節日氣氛中，更讓人深刻感受到回饋社會的意義。

此次活動企劃韓承太表示，這次活動讓他深刻體會到團隊合作與適應能力的重要性。一開始的確有些令人手忙腳亂，但看到大家齊心協力，共同完成這麼有意義的事情，真的令人感動。這也再次提醒大家作為 FASCA 成員所堅守的價值—熱忱服務、傳遞善意。

這次志工服務不僅提供青年文化大使們參與社區的機會，也讓成員們有機會實踐領導與服務的核心價值。在感恩的季節裡，這樣的行動讓大家用最佳的方式，對從社會獲得的一切表達感恩，並向需要幫助的人伸出援手。

活動最後，團隊合影留念，照片中每一張笑臉都代表著關懷社區的熱忱，以及團隊共同凝聚的良善力量。