2025-11-16 Warmth & Gratitude Month – Miami Fo Guang members enter the community with compassion and care

As Thanksgiving approaches and the warmth of the holiday begins to fill the air, the Miami Chapter’s Compassion Care Team of the International Buddhist Progress Society visited the Active Living Assisted Living Center on the afternoon of November 16. Led by Fort Lauderdale Subchapter President Xing Dongmei, a group of eight volunteers spent a meaningful and heartwarming time with fifteen residents and nursing staff.

The one-hour program was rich and joyful. Team members accompanied the residents in hand-stretching exercises, sing-along activities, and rhythm games. The room was filled with laughter and lively interaction. The residents were fully engaged in a line-art coloring activity, rediscovering joy through color. Everyone also chanted the Buddha’s name softly together, calming the body and mind and adding a sense of serenity to the cheerful gathering.

The Compassion Care Team thoughtfully prepared candies and cookies, along with handmade Thanksgiving cards, offering holiday blessings and Fo Guang care to each resident. These small gestures carried heartfelt warmth, helping the residents feel remembered and cared for as the holiday approached. The nursing staff were also deeply moved, creating an atmosphere that was touching and full of warmth.

As the event came to a close, everyone sang “Buddha’s Light Shines Upon You” together in farewell. The clear and sincere voices felt like gentle lights illuminating one another’s hearts. Before the volunteers departed, many of the residents held their hands in gratitude for the companionship and care, expressing hopes for the next visit. The Compassion Care Team members also felt filled with Dharma joy, grateful for the chance to spend an early Thanksgiving—full of blessings and happiness—with the residents.

Afterward, members of the Charity Care Team visited the fire department and police department in Tamarac, where the temple is located, to express appreciation to the frontline workers who serve the community. On-duty firefighters welcomed the Fo Guang volunteers, showing them around the fire trucks and rescue equipment and explaining each tool’s use with patience—providing a valuable learning experience for the visitors.

At the police department, they were warmly received by the newly appointed Captain Franks. Officers happily accepted the fruits and cookies the volunteers brought as gifts, feeling the community’s appreciation. Sister Lu Qianming, on behalf of the temple residents, thanked the police for sending officers to help maintain safety during Buddha’s Birthday and Chinese New Year events, as well as for participating in the Buddha Bathing Ceremony.

Through these “Good Neighbor” outreach efforts, Miami Fo Guang members put Humanistic Buddhism into practice with compassion and service, building sincere connections within the community. Their actions helped local government and residents gain a deeper understanding of Fo Guang Shan’s mission—allowing the compassion of the Dharma to take root and blossom in the community.