It was another scorching hot day in Los Angeles as the PLC team made our regular journey to Skid Row to visit our street friends. We know that we cannot change everyone’s life in a single day, but we can certainly change someone’s day. Sometimes, a bottle of cold water, a simple meal, a kind smile, or a few words of encouragement are enough to remind a person that they have not been forgotten.
On such an intensely hot day, what our homeless brothers and sisters needed most was clean water to stay hydrated, nourishing food to ease their hunger, and a little compassion to brighten their hearts. We also wish to pay our deepest respect to all the organizations and volunteers throughout Los Angeles who tirelessly serve the homeless with meals, water, clothing, and hope every day. Together, each act of kindness becomes a light that shines through the darkness.
Our heartfelt prayer is simple:
May they be safe. May they be free from hunger and thirst. May they have enough clothing to protect them from the heat and cold. May they find hope, dignity, and eventually a better path in life.
Today we were delighted to welcome several new volunteers. Mimi traveled all the way from Canada, while Lisa and Hilda came from Chino Hills to join us. We sincerely appreciate their willingness to spend their day serving others despite the extreme weather. Their kindness and generosity truly embodied the spirit of compassion.
Our sincere thanks also go to Hui-Chuan and her wonderful friends for preparing so many essential supplies, including socks, underwear, nail clippers, combs, hats, toothbrushes, toothpaste, sleeping bags, and many other daily necessities. We are equally grateful to the Tzu Chi Foundation for generously donating numerous bags of clothing and blankets to help those in need.
Special thanks go to Raymond and Janny Yang for donating eight large bags of clothing, shoes, and many other useful items. We also thank Lisa Gear for donating dog food and canned food, showing compassion not only to people but also to the animals that many homeless individuals lovingly care for.
Our appreciation also goes to Mary Min for donating nine bags filled with clothing, shoes, and miscellaneous necessities. Finally, our heartfelt thanks to Lisa Young, who not only collected many of these donated items and transported them to Skid Row, but also generously contributed three additional bags of clothing herself.
Today’s delicious homemade sandwiches and fresh milk were lovingly sponsored by Trang and David. Cookies and backpacks were donated by Ling. The food and beverages distributed today were generously sponsored by Lisa Young, Sabrina Du, and Tuyet Nguyen. To every donor and supporter, please accept our deepest gratitude. Your generosity made this meaningful day possible.
Finally, we extend our sincere appreciation to our dedicated volunteers: Trang, Tuyet, Mimi, Hui-Chuan, Charley, Athena, Lisa, and Hilda. Without your compassion, energy, and selfless service, none of this would have been possible. Because of your efforts, countless people left today with full stomachs, useful supplies, and—most importantly—smiles on their faces.
The Buddha taught that giving (Dāna) is the foundation of all wholesome practice. Every act of generosity weakens our attachment, nurtures compassion, and plants seeds of immeasurable merit. When we give with a sincere and selfless heart, we are not only helping others—we are transforming our own minds. The greatest gift is not measured by its monetary value, but by the compassion with which it is offered.
As the saying goes:
“No one can help everyone, but everyone can help someone.”
May we never miss an opportunity to practice kindness. A small act of generosity today may become the hope that carries someone through tomorrow.
May all beings be free from suffering and the causes of suffering.
May all beings be healthy, peaceful, and filled with hope.
May the merits of this offering benefit all sentient beings.
Namo Buddhaya. 
