Morristown, NJ | January 3, 2025
On a cold January day, a group of second-generation Taiwanese American students demonstrated the power of compassion and service by volunteering at Homeless Solutions in Morristown, New Jersey. Through their collective efforts, more than 100 individuals experiencing homelessness were provided with a warm, nourishing meal—transforming a winter afternoon into a meaningful act of community care.
The student volunteers—Evelyn Hare, Daniel Hare, Ryan Chen, Katherine Chen, and Preston Chen—are members of the Formosa Association of Student Cultural Ambassadors (FASCA) Princeton Chapter and students affiliated with the Northern New Jersey Chinese Association (NNJCA). United by a shared commitment to giving back, the group devoted their time to preparing and serving meals, reflecting the values of service and compassion deeply rooted in their cultural upbringing.
Serving the meal proved to be the most memorable part of the day. As students handed out plates of hot food, they were met with grateful smiles and quiet words of thanks. These moments of human connection left a deep impression on the volunteers. “Seeing how much a warm meal meant to someone really changed my perspective,” shared Evelyn Hare. “It reminded me that even small actions can bring comfort and hope.”
LiHui Chen, President of NNJCA, praised the students’ dedication and empathy. “Our youth are learning that service is not just about helping others, but about understanding community needs and responding with compassion,” Chen said. “By serving more than 100 people, these students demonstrated leadership, responsibility, and the values we hope to pass on to the next generation.” This year also marked the 28th consecutive year that NNJCA has supported Homeless Solutions through volunteer service.
Beyond cooking and serving meals, the experience offered students a deeper understanding of teamwork and social responsibility. Volunteering at Homeless Solutions allowed them to witness how community organizations work tirelessly to support vulnerable populations, and how youth involvement plays a meaningful role in sustaining those efforts.
Through their service at Homeless Solutions, these FASCA and NNJCA students demonstrated that even in the coldest weather, kindness can inspire meaningful change—and that youth leadership begins with compassion.
Reported by FASCA Princeton – Evelyn Hare
