US insider 2026-2-27
Joining Hands for a Good Cause: Holy Miracles Temple’s Lunar New Year Donation Drive
Photo Courtesy: Joyce Lee (Holy Miracles Temple and Sanger Mission donated pet food and care supplies to the animals at the Lange Foundation)
During the 15-day Lunar New Year celebration characterized by familial reunions and time-honored rituals, Holy Miracles Temple in Pasadena and Jen Chen Buddhism Sanger Mission organized the charity campaign “Charitable Acts to Benefit Our Community Together.” This long-running initiative partners the temple with local non-profit organizations to promote and distribute the donation of goods, bringing warmth and hope to those in need.
The Holy Miracles Temple upholds the teachings of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III, by cultivating the Four Immeasurable Minds – kindness, compassion, joy, and almsgiving. The Temple extends the compassionate embrace beyond its halls, spearheading an initiative to collect essential provisions for the less fortunate. The donation drive focused on clients of local non-profits. Devotees and volunteers worked throughout the Lunar New Year Festival to gather donations for people and animals in need.
Photo Courtesy: Joyce Lee (Holy Miracles Temple and Sanger Mission donated personal care supplies, baby diapers, and other essential materials to Elizabeth House, an organization dedicated to supporting pregnant women and mothers)
Collected items included high-protein foods (meat, legumes, dairy), non-perishable goods (rice, flour, canned foods), children’s and infant products (diapers, formula milk), as well as hygiene products (soap, toothpaste, toilet paper). All goods were donated to three organizations in nearby communities: the Lange Foundation, Friends In Deed, and Elizabeth House.
Tim Nistler, the Program Director for the Friends In Deed Food Pantry, expressed deep gratitude for the donation drive initiated by Holy Miracles Temple and Sanger Mission. Friends In Deed Food Pantry currently provides food to about 700 households weekly. They could not carry out this relief work without the communities’ support. With the motto ‘Together we can do what we cannot do alone,’ the organization notes that its core values align with the Buddhist principles of compassion and altruism.
Photo Courtesy: Joyce Lee (Tim Nistler, the Program Director for the Friends In Deed Food Pantry, expressed deep gratitude for the donation drive initiated by Holy Miracles Temple and Sanger Mission for three consecutive years.)
Megan Fenner, the executive director for Lange Foundation, a non-profit animal rescue, explained that the Foundation rescues animals that require medical care and are less likely to be adopted from the city shelters. She said that they were extremely grateful to receive a substantial donation from Holy Miracles Temple and Sanger Mission.
Terry Bright, the Interim Executive for Elizabeth House, also thanked the Temple and Mission for the donations of personal care items, diapers, and other supplements. Having served the San Gabriel Valley for 30 years, Elizebeth House supports pregnant women aged 18 and over — many with children 5 and under — providing care from pregnancy through 4 months postpartum and helping them transition to more independent living or transitional housing. On behalf of the organization, Terry expressed sincere appreciation to everyone who chose Elizabeth House to receive these donations.
Holy Miracles Temple propagates the teachings of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III, wishing that all sentient beings will be liberated from suffering. Temple representatives stated that Buddhists cultivate compassion by helping others. The Temple has been active in community public welfare through partnerships with various local organizations. Its ongoing charitable activities not only provide substantial aid but also demonstrate the power of cross-sector cooperation, inspiring more people to care for society and bring greater warmth, hope, and peace to the world.
