Fo Guang Shan North Carolina Hosts “Three Acts of Goodness” Blood Drive – Spreading Compassion, Saving Lives

[Reported by Yu Chuan, North Carolina, USA]

On August 23, 2025, the Buddha’s Light International Association (BLIA) North Carolina Chapter, together with its Second Subchapter, partnered with The Blood Connection to host the “Three Acts of Goodness” community blood drive at Fo Guang Shan North Carolina. Running from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM, both members of BLIA and local residents participated in the event. A total of 42 people participated, resulting in 32 successful blood donations—an outpouring of kindness that directly helps save lives.

BLIA North Carolina Chapter partnered with The Blood Connection to host the “Three Acts of Goodness” blood drive, putting compassion into action. (Photo by Xiuhua Zeng)

This was the temple’s second consecutive year organizing the blood drive, and once again it received enthusiastic community support. Donors included BLIA members, local neighbors, and youth group participants. Many came with the encouragement of family or friends, embodying the warmth of mutual support.

With the support of his mother and younger brother, Cory Merriman (right) completed his donation, calling it both a way to give back and to express gratitude to Fo Guang Shan. (Photo by Yixuan Wei)

Among them was Cory Merriman, who donated alongside his mother and younger brother. “Donating blood isn’t just about saving lives—it’s also my way of supporting BLIA and showing gratitude to Fo Guang Shan,” Cory shared. His mother added that Cory has experienced many positive changes in his life thanks to the temple, which has been a source of joy for their family.

Sixteen-year-old Penny Liu, encouraged by her mother and sister, overcame her fear and bravely completed her first blood donation. (Photo by Haikuo)

Patrice Edison, age 72, arrived with her son’s assistance and cane in hand, making her the eldest donor of the day. She has been donating blood regularly for nearly 50 years, inspired by a friend’s emergency need for blood when she was in her twenties—a moment that impressed upon her the life-saving value of giving.

BLIA member Yin Zhang donated in gratitude, as her mother once benefited from blood donations that saved her life. (Photo by Haikuo)

At the other end of the spectrum, 16-year-old BLIA Young Adult Division (YAD) member Penny Liu became the youngest donor. Though initially afraid of needles, with encouragement from her mother and sister she bravely completed her very first blood donation—a milestone she will always remember.

At 72, Patrice Edison came with her son’s help, making her the oldest donor of the day. She has been donating blood for nearly five decades. (Photo by Haikuo)

Fo Guang Shan member Yin Zhang also shared that her mother once survived thanks to others’ blood donations. Filled with gratitude, he took this opportunity to give back to society and pass along that same compassion.

BLIA members showed care and support for donors throughout the day. (Photo by Yixuan Wei)

Another long-time donor, Peicheng Lin, a volunteer in the temple’s audio team, recounted how he makes it a point to donate blood regularly. Although he had to miss last year’s Fo Guang Shan drive due to a scheduling conflict, this year he waited especially for this event to contribute.

Many participants echoed the belief that donating blood benefits both the recipient and the donor—truly a wholesome act that helps others while fostering personal well-being.

BLIA North Carolina Second Subchapter prepared small gifts of appreciation for donors. (Photo by Yixuan Wei)