One CAN make a difference

It’s a hot, Saturday afternoon. Most people are relaxing on their couches indoors, sheltered from the heat - but not this group of kids. Youth from ages 6-17 split up into pairs and cover both sides of the neighborhood, knocking on doors and asking for canned food donations. It is because of these tireless young people that the Walnut division of Operation DREAM, (Dominican Republic Emergency Aid Mission), is made possible. The non-profit organization has distributed more than 50,000 pounds of food, combating hunger since 2009 – providing for the poorest among us with a steady diet of hope, and offering youth the opportunity to save an orphan’s life.

My team, consisting of youth ranging from ages 6-17, would collect canned food by going door-to-door around neighborhoods in Walnut, West Covina, Chino Hills, Diamond Bar, Rowland Heights, Brea and Orange County. Our goal is to ultimately spread awareness about the hunger crisis and empower people to take action. Throughout every campaign, my team members grow from being a follower to becoming a leader. They continue to step out of their comfort zones and lead food drives on their own.

We give speeches and distribute collection boxes at schools and churches. This year, we started our mission on October 5. We plan to continue this food drive until the very end of December—Operation DREAM ships the food to the orphans in January, 2014.

On Sunday, November 10, 2013, the HERE Foundation hosted a donation ceremony for Operation DREAM and awarded our leaders with a certificate of appreciation for our work. HERE stands for the Humanitarianism through Education, Relief, and Equality Foundation. The organization collaborates with other non-profit charities on projects such as fund-raising and raising awareness for emergency reliefs.

At the ceremony, George Fan, a representative of the HERE Foundation, gave a speech in which he thanked us for our contribution to the community. He said that he really appreciated our group of selfless youth in having the courage to go door-to-door. He commended us for making a difference, one of the core objectives that HERE foundation stands for.

The donation consisted of 228 canned food from the food drive, and cash donations from Scarlett Kwong, Daniel Lee, Joyce Fan, Jenny Chu, CAAT Board Members and SAT Professionals. Operation DREAM’s sincerest thanks goes out to all donors and sponsors.

Operation DREAM’s mission is to feed the hungry in body and in spirit. I believe our team has made a difference on both sides of the gap—overseas and right here in our own neighborhoods. Our tagline states, “One CAN make a difference.” Kindness is contagious, and every act counts.