BLIA Washington, D.C. Chapter Donates School Supplies to Support Young Students for the New School Year

[Reported by Peihua Chiang, Washington, D.C. USA]

In the spirit of Humanistic Buddhism and Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s vision of “nurturing talent through education,” the Buddha’s Light International Association (BLIA) Washington, D.C. Chapter has continued its commitment to spreading love and care to local schools. This August, the chapter responded to a call from the Maryland Department of Education by organizing a school supply drive to support children in need as they began the new school year.

Upholding Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s principle of “nurturing talent through education,” BLIA Washington, D.C. Chapter continues to bring love and care to schools. Principal Lawrence Chep (center) expressed heartfelt thanks on behalf of Clopper Mill Elementary School and parents. (Fourth from right: Chapter President Elizabeth Hsu)

After discussion, the board decided to focus on younger elementary students as the main recipients. With the leadership of Chapter President Elizabeth Hsu and the enthusiastic support of the board members, BLIA members eagerly joined the effort. The president and board members personally compared prices to ensure both quality and affordability, eventually purchasing 29 complete sets of school supplies. Each set included a backpack, notebooks, pencils, crayons, erasers, scissors, and sharpeners.

Members of the BLIA Washington Young Adult Division, led by President Huizi Liu, enthusiastically joined as volunteers.

Following the purchase, members worked together to carefully pack the items into the backpacks, according to school guidelines. The BLIA Young Adult Division (YAD) of Washington, D.C., led by President Huizi Liu, also contributed their time and energy as volunteers. On August 19, 2025,  the chapter organized four vehicles to deliver seven large boxes of school supplies to Clopper Mill Elementary School. Eight board members and three YAD members took part in the delivery. Vice President Andy Chen and member Er-xiang Ren even used their lunch break from work to participate, a gesture that deeply moved everyone.

A poster at Clopper Mill Elementary School welcoming students back for the new school year.

Clopper Mill Elementary School Principal Lawrence Chep and staff member Beatrice personally welcomed the group. The principal expressed his delight and gratitude, noting how thoughtfully BLIA had not only prepared the supplies but also selected a variety of backpack styles, patterns, and colors so that children could choose according to their preference. On behalf of the school and parents, he offered sincere thanks to the association.