寒冬送暖 Winter Coat Relief Distribution

(文/圖：長金滿)
波士頓近日迎來這幾年少見的大雪，積雪高達二呎，氣溫驟降，寒風刺骨，整座城市彷彿被冰雪覆蓋。然而，嚴寒並未阻擋慈濟志工前行的腳步。志工秉持對關懷戶的承諾，持續進行寒冬關懷發放行動，因為要送出的，不只是禦寒衣物，更是一份溫暖人心的愛與祝福。

本次發放的冬衣，背後有一段感人的因緣。一位捐贈者原本與先生共同經營進出口服飾生意。不料先生於去年不幸往生，人生驟變之下，她決定結束所有業務。在整理尚存的全新冬衣時，她選擇將物資全數捐出，希望透過慈濟，將這份愛心送到真正需要的人手中，讓更多人在寒冬中感受到溫暖，也延續先生生前的善念。"他生前還希望有機會也跟你們一起去做志工“ 太太眼含淚水說著。

志工們將這批冬衣送往海地非營利社服中心（Immigrant Family Service institute, ISFI）的移民學習中心，提供給前來上課、努力適應新生活的移民學員。

此次共發放近一百件冬季外套，協助學員在嚴寒氣候中安心學習、穩定生活。
同時，也結合其他單位所提供的食物與日常生活用品，使關懷更加周全。

此次發放為慈濟與 IFSI 首次攜手合作。雙方雖來自不同單位，卻懷抱相同的理念—陪伴弱勢族群，啟發人的善念。在彼此的合作與付出中，看見愛的循環持續延伸。這不僅是一場物資的傳遞，更是一份愛和希望的接力。
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Boston recently experienced one of the heaviest snowfalls in recent years, with nearly two feet of snow blanketing the city. As temperatures plunged and icy winds swept across the region, the entire area felt the severity of winter.
Despite the extreme weather, Tzu Chi volunteers remained their commitment and continued the winter relief distribution. What they delivered was more than warm clothing—it was compassion, care, and heartfelt blessings.

Behind this distribution was a deeply touching story. A donor had previously operated an import–export clothing business with her husband. Tragically, her husband passed away last year. After this profound loss, she made the difficult decision to close the business.
While organizing the remaining brand-new winter clothing, she chose to donate all of them through Tzu Chi, hoping the items would reach those truly in need. Through this meaningful act, she wished to extend warmth to others and continue her late husband’s spirit of giving. " “My husband knew about your organization. He often said that he hoped one day he would have the opportunity to become one of your volunteers.” With tears in her eyes, she shared,

Volunteers delivered the winter coats to the Immigrant Family Services Institute (IFSI) Learning Center, supporting students who are working diligently to adapt to life in a new country. Nearly 100 winter jackets were distributed, helping participants stay warm and focused during the harsh winter season.
In addition, food and daily necessities provided by other partner organizations were included, making the care more comprehensive and complete

This event marked the first collaboration between Tzu Chi and IFSI. Though coming from different organizations, both shared the same aspiration—to support vulnerable communities as they rebuild stability, strengthen their livelihoods, and pursue their dreams in the United States.

While the process required great effort, the collaboration beautifully demonstrated the power of collective compassion. More than a material distribution, it became a meaningful exchange of hope, love, and human connection.